FORMER Canterbury-based Army colonel Tim Collins has been cleared of breaking the rules of conduct during the war in Iraq, it was announced today.

Col has been under investigation by the Ministry of Defence after allegations of war crimes were made by an American officer over his treatment of Iraqi civilians and prisoners of war.

The MoD confirmed in a statement this morning that no criminal proceedings would be taken and no other disciplinary action was being contemplated.

Col Collins, who was a Lieutenant Colonel with the 1st Battalion the Royal Irish Regiment, but has since been promoted, had won praise for a rousing speech to his troops on the eve of the fighting in Iraq.

If he had been found guilty of the allegations, Col Collins, 43, could have faced disciplinary action or even expulsion from the Army. He has always strongly denied any wrong-doing and stressed that he was astonished by the allegations.