Iranian alleged sex offender denied bail

An Iranian man accused of sexually assaulting two teenage girls before trying to leave the country has been formally refused bail.

Ehsan Mokhberi, 28, appeared via video link at Sydney's Central Local Court on Thursday after being arrested trying to board an international flight on Wednesday night.

NSW police believe he was attempting to board a plane bound for his home country when federal officers swooped on him, taking him into custody.

Mokhberi said little but to confirm he could hear and understand what was happening in court.

He's accused of sexually and indecently assaulted two girls, aged 13 and 15, at Chipping Norton in Sydney's west.

It will be alleged he indecently assaulted and had non-consensual sexual intercourse with the 15-year-old earlier this month.

Police allege his abuse of the other victim dates back to January 2014, when he began grooming her for sex.

It will be alleged he had sex with the girl five times over a number of years when she was aged between 11 and 13.

He has also been charged with indecently assaulting the girl twice over the same period.

Mokhberi made no application for bail and will remain behind bars before facing court again on May 5.