A former journalist has been granted bail after being arrested in April for allegedly threatening to behead Christians.

James Waugh, 28, was released on bail with strict conditions Wednesday in an Australian courtroom.

According to The Canberra Times, Waugh was arrested after a tip was received by the National Security Hotline concerning comments the journalist had allegedly made online.

One post allegedly made by Waugh threatened death to members of the Canberra House of Prayer, in Canberra, Australia. In the post, Waugh also allegedly included his own address, inviting members of the group to confront him face-to-face.

Waugh's threatening messages have since been removed from his online account.

In court, Waugh has pleaded not guilty to the charges of possessing an object to be used to kill, threatening with the intent to cause public alarm and using a carriage service to menace or harass.

The court learned that the accused had ordered a scimitar, a short sword with a blade that curves and widens towards its point, from Pakistan. It was also shared in court that Waugh had sharpened this weapon before threatening Christians in his front yard.

It has been reported that Waugh was targeting those of Christian faith as an act of retaliation following the Christchurch mosque massacres that took place in New Zealand in March 2019.

The former journalist allegedly sent online messages to his friends detailing violent intentions. "I have issued threats, along with my name and address to every coward dog church in Canberra. If you know someone with balls send them along. I've bought a scimitar and intend to cut their heads off in my front yard as reprisal."

Waugh has applied for bail twice before and was rejected on both occasions due to the potential that he might re-offend if released. His third application was made after his lawyer, Helen Hayunga, told the court that there was new information about Waugh's case that required consideration.

That new information consisted of a "delusional disorder" diagnosis, as well as appropriate and reliable accommodations for Waugh upon release with two family friends.

Prosecutor Vivian Wei reported to the court that while under supervision, Waugh posed little risk to others, but admitted that his report stated an increase in risk was likely should he be released into the community and that his treatment had resulted in a minimal response.

She also noted that Waugh had extreme religious beliefs which had been "ongoing and fixated" for two years.

Hayunga responded to Wei's case, noting the difference between having extreme views and acting on them.

It was determined by Judge James Lawton that strict bail conditions would be enough to prevent the potential of an offence committed by Waugh, allowing for his release into the care of two family friends. He is not allowed under his bail conditions to approach the Canberra House of Prayer or use social media.

Waugh's case will appear before the court again in February of next year.