A FORMER British soldier who helped in the fight against Islamic State has demanded answers after “totally unjustified” terrorism charges against him were dropped.

James Matthews, who featured in a Channel 4 documentary, had been accused of training with a Kurdish militia opposed to the onslaught of Islamic State forces.

He had been due to face trial in November for receiving instruction or training in Iraq and Syria on or before February 15 2016 “for purposes connected to the commission of preparation of terrorism”.

It was believed to be the first time that 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”.

Prosecutor Tom Little QC stressed the decision was based on further evidence “specific” to the case.

Mr Matthews is one of a number of Britons arrested after returning from Syria having fought against Islamic State.

One is still facing the same charge as Mr Matthews, who had entered a not guilty plea and was formally acquitted by Mr Justice Edis after the Crown offered no evidence during the brief hearing on Tuesday.

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: “We have always said the decision to prosecute Mr Matthews for fighting with the YPG against Isis was extraordinary and totally unjustified.

“Mr Matthews is happy this has now come to an end.

“Mr Matthews was always open about what he had done and it is baffling that the CPS (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.”

Afterwards, Mr Matthews’ solicitors Birnberg Peirce also demanded Attorney General Geoffrey Cox QC explain to Parliament. as a “matter of urgency”.

The lawyers said: “Jim Matthews was arrested two years and five months ago after returning from assisting the Kurdish population of Rojava and western coalition forces against the onslaught of Isis.

“He was accused of attending a terrorist training camp organised by the YPG, an entirely lawful Kurdish organisation.

“After two years the CPS decided there was sufficient evidence to prosecute him and that it was in the public interest to do so.

“Seven months later, they now say they have discovered new evidence that has led them to drop the case.

“They have refused to explain what that new evidence is and why it has taken three years to find.

“The High Court judge hearing the case has indicated that it is now a matter for the Attorney General to explain to Parliament.

“We urge him to do so as a matter of urgency.

“There never was a credible case of terrorism to be made against Mr Matthews , either factually, morally or legally.

“When Jim was arrested the YPG was a politically necessary ally of the UK. By the time of charge, it was not.

“Political calculations had changed, as the YPG had by then all but defeated Isis. Turkey, an avowed opponent of the YPG and any signs of a Kurdish independence movement, is an important market for British arms sales, perhaps ever more important in the current political climate.

“Was this the reason why the Attorney General decided that an otherwise implausible prosecution be brought?

“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.”

The Attorney General’s office has declined to comment on the case.

It is understood that the Attorney General gives permission for terrorism charges to be brought but operational decisions are for the CPS.

Mr Cox was appointed to the role of Attorney General earlier this month, taking over from Jeremy Wright QC.

In earlier legal argument, Mr Bennathan said the alleged offence came as IS was invading Syria and Iraq and beheading hostages.

At the time, Mr Matthews’ group was being supported “materially and openly by the British Government and providing air cover”, he said.

Mr Bennathan said he would apply for disclosure on “why the Attorney General has taken the political decision to prosecute Mr Matthews and whether pressure from the Turkish government has played a part in that”.

During the March hearing, a production order was made for the Channel 4 documentary Brits Battling Isis.

A CPS spokesman 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.”