A trained military marksman intercepted at Melbourne airport while allegedly on his way to fight Islamic State in Iraq has been released on bail.
Jamie Reece Williams, 28, faces life in prison after being charged with preparing to enter a foreign country with the intention of engaging in hostile activities in July.
Court documents allege he told a friend he could be useful in the fight against IS because of his training with the French Foreign Legion and that he would rather live a short meaningful life than a long one doing nothing.
On Thursday, Melbourne Magistrate Donna Bakos ruled there were exceptional circumstances in his case that warranted his release on bail.
She agreed with defence submissions that there was the potential for delay in the matter, as it was a complex legal case.
"There is a real legal issue to be tried," Ms Bakos said.
"Yekineyen Parastina Gel is an organisation which has, to an extent, been recognised by some Western governments."
YPG is a Kurdish militant group with which Williams is alleged to have made contact via a Facebook recruitment group.
Williams admitted to the Australian Federal Police that he planned to travel to Iraq to join YPG knowing they were involved in battles with IS, but believed it was not an offence to join them, according to an affidavit tendered in court.
Ms Bakos said Williams had been very co-operative after he was initially intercepted in December.
Character references from friends and family members described the Epping man as gentle, caring and polite.
The founder of volunteer group Anonymous X - which provides support to homeless and disadvantaged people - said Williams had been a volunteer with the organisation for several months and was welcome to return.
Williams was released on the condition that he reside with his mother and elderly grandmother, and report to police twice a week.
He will return to court on October 20.
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