Soldier charged after war protest

L/Cpl Joe Glenton could face jail if found guilty of desertion

A York soldier accused of desertion for refusing to return to Afghanistan has been charged with a further offence after joining an anti-war protest.

L/Cpl Joe Glenton, 27, of the Royal Logistic Corps, led a demonstration in London last month against the presence of British troops in the country.

He has already appeared before a court accused of being absent without leave (Awol) in 2007.

He has now been charged with disobeying a lawful order following the march.

'Morality questioned'

L/Cpl Glenton appeared in court in Aldershot, Hampshire, on Tuesday and is being held in custody.

At the march in Trafalgar Square L/Cpl Glenton addressed more than 5,000 protesters and said the sights he witnessed during his time in Afghanistan forced him to question the morality of his role.

Having joined the Army in 2004, L/Cpl Glenton, who is based at Abingdon in Oxfordshire, allegedly went Awol in 2007 before handing himself in after two years and six days.

He appeared before a court martial in August where his case was adjourned until November.

The soldier could be sentenced for up to two years in prison if he is found guilty of desertion.

In a statement the MoD said: "I can confirm that disciplinary action from the Royal Logistic Corps is currently in progress."

It continued: "As this matter is subject to court martial proceedings, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage."