THE show of support for a York soldier who is facing a ten-year jail sentence for taking on the Government over the war in Afghanistan was today being stepped up in his home city.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton is currently in military custody and facing five charges surrounding his role in an anti-war demonstration in London last month, when he chose to protest against the UK’s role in the conflict.

L/Cpl, 27, of New Earswick, already stood accused of desertion after he went absent without leave from the Army in 2007 rather than serve his second tour of duty, before handing himself in earlier this year.

The York Against The War group were today staging a vigil and asking passers-by to sign a petition in support of L/Cpl Glenton at their stall in St Sampson’s Square.

Spokesman Joe Heawood said: “He has emerged as a figurehead for a view which needs publicising. This is somebody who has been to Afghanistan, risked his life and, not from cowardice but from genuine conscience, is saying ‘this is wrong’.”

Meanwhile, it has emerged that L/Cpl Glenton’s brother James, 28, died in his sleep five weeks ago. Their mother, Sue, 59, said: “I’m really proud of the achievements of both our children.

“Joe is coping with James’s death and he is very determined, and Joe’s wife, Clare, has been brilliant.

“Joe and I have always got on well, but since James died, he has been a real rock to me.

“I am really boosted in confidence by all the support we have had.

“Joe is doing what he believes in and we are behind him all the way. What is happening to him now is just bringing publicity to what he is saying.

“I never thought it would come to this, but now I am doing what any parent has to do.

“We just hope somebody in authority makes a decision to drop these charges.”

The latest charges against L/Cpl Glenton come after he was involved in a protest rally in London, when he addressed 5,000 people.

During his speech, he said: “I believe great wrongs have been perpetrated in Afghanistan. I cannot, in good conscience, be part of them.”