A Melbourne man accused of trying to travel to the Middle East to fight against Islamic State (IS) has been released on bail.

Jamie Williams, 28, was charged in July after a seven-month investigation by Australia’s counter-terrorist task force.

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He was intercepted at the Melbourne Airport by Customs officers in December and allegedly told them he intended to help Kurdish forces fight IS in the Iraqi city of Sulaymaniyah.

Magistrate Donna Bakos said in granting bail that Mr Williams has cooperated fully with authorities’ investigation.

She said there were exceptional circumstances for the bail. He will have to comply with various conditions during his bail, including regular reporting to police.

Sulaymaniyah is a well-known entry point for Westerners wishing to join the fight against Islamic State.

Members of the Customs service, now part of the Australian Border Force, identified him as a potential foreign fighter as he attempted to board a flight for Qatar.

His passport was immediately seized.

Various items of “military style equipment and clothing” were allegedly found in his luggage.

Mr Williams’ mother and partner were in court.

– with ABC