Briton Aidan James had 'amazing time' fighting IS soldiers, court hears

A British man wrote in a diary that he had an "amazing time" fighting against the Islamic State in Syria, a court has heard.

Aidan James, from Merseyside, allegedly described the terror group as "the biggest threat the world has seen since Hitler" and said he fought on the "front line numerous times", killing IS soldiers.

The 28-year-old had no previous military knowledge when he allegedly set out to join the conflict in August 2017.

He is accused of receiving training from the Marxist group PKK before linking up with Kurdish YPG units, otherwise known as People's Protection Units, in Syria.

The Old Bailey has heard that his four months of combat amounted to "terrorism, even if his eventual fighting was against other terrorists".

He is said to have "fuelled violence and devastation" in Syria by travelling to fight with guns and explosives.

The father-of-one denies engaging in conduct in preparation of terrorist acts and two charges of attending a place used for terrorist training.

On the second day of his trial at the Old Bailey, pictures of him posing with YPG insignia wearing military clothing were shown to the jury.

A diary entry describing the worsening situation in Syria was also revealed to the court.

In December 2017, James allegedly wrote: "The situation with Turkey continues to worsen... the war is long from over but I am playing my part in this war and feel good to be a part of history and with the revolutionary force of YPG.

"Daesh (IS) is the biggest threat the world has seen since Hitler so anything I can do in these operations is good."

In another handwritten entry, James said he was "waiting for Daesh to give me the opertunity (sic) to fire".

He described his group's "quest to vanquish Daesh from this place and send the rechid (sic) souls straight to hell".

James also wrote that he got "a kill" that day and was "very happy to get rid of another rat".

One photograph shown to jurors was of a black Islamic State flag with the caption: "This is the evil flag of the worlds enemy ISIS, Daesh. IS flag (took) from a window in Deir Ezzor by me. F*** Daesh!!"

James allegedly uploaded a Facebook profile picture on Christmas Eve referring to a region in Syria.

It said: "Merry Christmas friends and family back home in the UK. Lots of love from us here in Rojava xxxx".

A police negotiator contacted James over email promising to support him and discuss his return to Liverpool, the court heard.

As he prepared to travel back to the UK, James allegedly wrote about killing IS soldiers, being shot at, and said he "chilled with a donkey".

A written statement from his mother said James had twice tried to join the British Army but was turned down.

James returned to Liverpool John Lennon Airport on 14 February last year on flights via Baghdad, Amman and Amsterdam.