The attack, which occurred between 11pm and 11.30pm on Friday last week, left the victim, 35, with numerous stab wounds and internal injuries.

He was taken to John Hunter Hospital by ambulance and underwent surgery.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, told Broadmeadow Children's Court through his solicitor Kristy Wade that the victim had been in an "on and off"' relationship with his mother for the past five years.

"There is a history of violence by the victim towards the mother," Ms Wade said.

"There is a current AVO in place for the protection of [the youth's] mother against the victim.

"This incident appears to be the culmination of [the youth] witnessing the violence towards his mother by the victim."

The young man, who is just a few days short of his 18th birthday, did not have any other violent matters on his criminal record, the court heard. But warrants had been issued for his arrest following his failure to attend court twice.

In relation to the first failure to appear, Ms Wade said her client was at court on that day but missed his matter, and in relation to the second offence, he had changed address and did not receive the summons to court.

Ms Wade said that if the young man was released from custody, he could live with his sister or his grandmother, who were both in court with his mother yesterday.

Magistrate Elizabeth Ryan refused the bail application citing the youth's previous failure to appear, the seriousness of the charge, and the likelihood of a long jail term if he was convicted.

The maximum penalty for that charge was 25 years, she said.

The matter was adjourned to May.