A FREELANCE journalist whose shocked and battered image hit TV screens around the world when he was kidnapped and held hostage by Iraqi renegade fighters has been reunited with his former York University housemates.

James Brandon, 23, who was snatched from his Iraq hotel room by renegade fighters while working as a freelance journalist less than a month ago, was later freed at the request of radical cleric Muqtada al-Sadr in the battle-torn city of Basra.

York civil servant Richard Crabtree, 24, and government economist Scott Dennison, also 24, lived with James, whose name was then Andrew Nassim, in Giles Avenue, York, during their second year as students.

"It was weird to see James in the flesh again," said Richard, "Since the last time was on the news. We were very scared that he would be killed, and obviously we're delighted he's all right."

All students of Alcuin college, the three men graduated in 2001. James got a first-class degree in History and later studied for an MA in Middle Eastern studies before going to Iraq.

Scott said: "I'm pleased he's safe, I'm angry at the people that captured him and I don't think he should return to Iraq!"

James, who returned to the UK only ten days ago, said this wasn't an option. "I think it would be pushing my luck to go back.

"But it's a shame, because I was just getting started as a freelance out there when I was captured."

Of the French journalists currently being held hostage in Iraq, he said: "I was surprised because we used to say we were French or Danish, it was much less dangerous than saying we were British or American.

"I'm just watching and waiting to see what happens, and hope it's the same outcome I had."

James visited his mum, Hilary, in Chelsea, London, before coming to York. He intends to continue travelling and writing somewhere other than Iraq. For now, he is happy to be back in York. "I loved living here and I will always love the place," he said. "It's peaceful and friendly, and quite different from what I've got used to recently!"

Updated: 08:35 Monday, September 06, 2004