Soldier’s appeal over terror charges
A former British soldier who joined a Kurdish militia group fighting against Islamic State has demanded answers after “totally unjustified” terrorism charges against him were dropped.
James Matthews had been due to face trial charged with receiving instruction or training connected with terrorism.
A FORMER British soldier who joined a Kurdish militia group fighting against Islamic State has demanded answers after “totally unjustified” terrorism charges against him were dropped.
James Matthews had been due to face trial in November charged with receiving instruction or training in Iraq and Syria on or before February 15, 2016 “for purposes connected to the commission of preparation of terrorism”.
His case was believed to be the first time terrorism legislation had been used to prosecute someone who was helping a group which was also being assisted by the UK Government.
He walked free from the Old Bailey after the Crown Prosecution Service announced there was no longer a realistic prospect of prosecution on “evidential grounds” in a short hearing yesterday.
The 43-year-old, from Dalston, east London, sat next to his lawyers in court and was said to be “happy” about the decision, which came more than two years after his arrest.
His barrister Joel Bennathan QC said: “Mr Matthews was always open about what he had done and it is baffling that the CPS took two years to decide to prosecute him, then seven months later they have suddenly realised there is not enough evidence to do so.
“After two-and-a-half years, we suggest Mr Matthews is entitled to a full and proper explanation of what has happened here and invite the court to direct that should be done.”
A CPS spokesman last night confirmed: “The proceedings against him have now come to an end.”
Afterwards, Mr Matthews’ solicitors Birnberg Peirce demanded Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC give an explanation to Parliament as a “matter of urgency”.
The firm added: “He was accused of attending a terrorist training camp organised by the YPG, an entirely lawful Kurdish organisation.
“There never was a credible case of terrorism to be made against Mr Matthews , either factually, morally or legally. After the stress and anxiety of two years waiting followed by seven months on bail and numerous court appearances, Jim Matthews is entitled to an answer.”
A spokesman for the Attorney General’s Office said: “The CPS is operationally independent and makes its decisions to prosecute independently of Government.
“The decision to drop the case against James Matthews was taken independently by the CPS.
“The Attorney General does not decide whether or not to continue a prosecution. That is a matter for the CPS.”
Mr Matthews is one of a number of Britons arrested after returning from Syria having supported the YPG militia group’s operations fighting against Islamic State.
One is still facing the same charge as Mr Matthews, who had entered a not guilty plea.
In a separate case, Aiden James, 27, from Formby in Merseyside, is due to face trial later this year accused of fighting against Islamic State.
He is charged with one count of the preparation of acts of terrorism and two counts of attendance at a place used for terrorist training.
During an Old Bailey hearing before Mr Justice Edis a threeweek trial was confirmed for November 19 with trial preparation hearing on October 5.
There never was a credible case of terrorism to be made. Solicitors Birnberg Peirce acting for Mr Matthews.