A North Queensland man accused of planning to travel to the Philippines to sexually abuse children has appeared in the Townsville Magistrate’s Court.

The Australian Federal Police said it launched an investigation in September after a tip-off from US Homeland Security. 

Soren Leslie Copley, 61, appeared in court on Monday on one count of attempting to procure a child to engage in sexual activity outside Australia. 

The court heard Mr Copley had been on bail since his November arrest with conditions that prohibit him from leaving Australia or Queensland without permission from Commonwealth prosecutors.

Soren Copley, with a heavy beard standing on courthouse steps.

Soren Copley is accused of attempting to procure a child to engage in sexual activity. (ABC News: Baz Ruddick)

Commonwealth prosecutors are conducting a forensic analysis of Mr Copley’s devices.

Police allege Mr Copley was stopped at Townsville Airport last month, before boarding a flight to the Philippines, via Brisbane.

The arrest followed a search of a property in Toolamulla, 45km north of Townsville. 

Police say they found phone messages detailing plans to sexually abuse two girls — aged 16 and six — in the Philippines. 

AFP Detective Inspector Steven Wiggins said the man’s arrest followed a collaboration between international law agencies.

“All online activities are traceable, regardless of where in the world they take place,” he said. 

Mr Copley must also report to Queensland Police once a week and only has access to one smartphone approved by authorities.

He is not allowed to engage with children or be within 50 metres of a school and must reside at his Toolamulla address, which is registered with police.

He remains on bail, and the matter will return to the Townsville District Court on March 9.

A referral was also made to the Philippines National Police.Â