Tyler Pewhairangi, 23, fronted Wollongong Local Court on Monday to hear the police prosecution "strenuously oppose" his release into the community given the serious nature of the allegations.

Pewhairangi is charged with aggravated robbery and use violence to cause wounding/grievous bodily harm, which if convicted, could see him spend 25 years in jail.

Read more: Mount Warrigal man accused of biting off part of girlfriend's ear

On December 20, Pewhairangi and the 77-year-old man were the last two people playing the poker machines at the Open Hearth Hotel, Warrawong around 1am when it closed.

Police facts tendered to court said Pewhairangi and the man left the hotel on Mowbray Lane before walking towards Cowper Street, which is in the opposite direction to the accused's home, where the alleged victim asks for directions to Cringila.

The pair walk together before Pewhairangi allegedly pushes the man into the yard of a house on Montgomery Avenue.

Pewhairangi allegedly punches him in the left side of his face causing him to fall over before demanding, "give me your money".

Pewhairangi allegedly continues to punch the man before he reaches into the man's pants pocket and takes $120 in cash.

The alleged victim, despite bleeding from his face and losing his hearing aids, walks back past the hotel before he is picked up by a local taxi driver and taken home.

The man calls his son who takes him to Wollongong Hospital to be treated for swelling, a wound to his mouth that requires four stitches and a cut to his eye socket.

Police were called and the man's clothes were seized and photographs were taken.

Read more: South Coast couple admits to looting Batemans Bay store

During the investigation, police gathered surveillance footage showing the pair leaving the hotel, spoke with hotel staff who confirmed Pewhairangi was a regular customer, and collected blood from the crime scene.

Police conducted a search warrant at Pewhairangi's home where they seized clothing and shoes.

Pewhairangi was arrested and interviewed on January 10.

Police facts said Pewhairangi went for a walk to "clear his head after losing $400" and walked with the man before "becoming frustrated" with him.

Police said Pewhairangi claims he "grabbed hold of the victim by his shirt...and forcefully pushed him" caused both to fall to the found.

He denies punching the victim and robbing him.

Pewhairangi's lawyer Jordan Mechan said his client denied the allegations claiming the altercation occurred after he told the man to stop following him.

Mr Mechan said the police facts only presented one "version of events".

Despite Pewhairangi's parents offering a surety of $5000, Magistrate Michael Stoddart refused bail noting the prosecution's strong case and risks of the accused remaining in the community.

Pewhairangi has a suspended sentence for stealing from a person in 2016.

The case was adjourned until March 11.