An ex-soldier accused of attending terror training camps run by a militia fighting against Islamic State has had the charges against him dropped.

James Matthews, 43, was charged with receiving training in Iraq or Syria "for purposes connected to the commission of preparation of terrorism".

However, prosecutors have decided there is no longer a realistic chance of conviction on "evidential grounds".

Mr Matthews, from Dalston in east London, had been due to go on trial at the Old Bailey in November and had entered a not guilty plea.

He was accused of getting the training on or before 15 February 2016.


When he was charged it was believed to be the first time terror laws had been used to prosecute someone who had helped a group (the YPG Kurdish militia) that was also being assisted by the UK government.

His lawyer, Joel Bennathan QC, said Mr Matthews was happy the charges had been dropped.

He said: "We have always said the decision to prosecute Mr Matthews for fighting with the YPG against ISIS [another name for IS] was extraordinary and totally unjustified...

"Mr Matthews was always open about what he had done and it is baffling that the [Crown Prosecution Service] 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."

Prosecutor Tom Little QC defended the decision to bring the case, saying the review was based on further evidence "specific" to the case.

A spokesman for the CPS said: "All cases are kept under review.

"As a result of new evidence, specific to this case, we have concluded there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction in this matter.

"As such, the prosecution offered no evidence against James Matthews.

"The proceedings against him have now come to an end."