Cheng killing accused remains behind bars

A Sydney man arrested by terror investigators following the killing of NSW Police worker Curtis Cheng will remain behind bars following a brief court appearance.

Mustafa Dirani was taken in by officers from the joint counter-terrorism team and Middle Eastern Organised Crime Squad earlier this month and charged with knowingly participating in a criminal group to assist in committing an act of terror - the alleged murder of Mr Cheng in Parramatta on October 2.

Dirani, from Marsfield in Sydney's northwest, did not appear in Parramatta Local Court when the case was mentioned on Thursday morning.

His lawyer did not apply for bail, meaning the 22-year-old is likely to remain in custody until the new year, when his case is due to return to court.