The following statement was read out by solicitor Aamer Anwar on behalf of Mohammed Atif Siddique outside the Court of Appeal after his release from court.

“I have a statement to read on behalf of Atif Siddique:

"At the end of Atif’s trial I stated on his behalf ‘the verdict was a tragedy for justice and freedom of speech.’  After nearly 4 years of struggle the highest court in the land has ruled a miscarriage of justice took place and given a young man his freedom back.

"Mr Siddique states: Our laws should bring to account those who plan acts of terror and not criminalise young muslims for thought crime and possession of propaganda.

"I have always maintained my innocence but they took my liberty, destroyed my family’s reputation and labelled me a terrorist but I never had any bombs or plans to hurt anyone. In court it was said I was a wannabe suicide bomber, but I have always said I was simply looking for answers on the internet.

"I am grateful to those who supported me. I just want to go home now and live my life in peace.”