A SERVING soldier from York who faces up to ten years in jail for his role in an anti-war protest will continue to be held behind bars as he awaits trial.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, from New Earswick, has been charged with five offences after he took part in a rally against the war in Afghanistan in London last month.

His legal team have said a military court has now decided he should remain in custody for a further 28 days following a hearing yesterday.

L/Cpl Glenton, 27, also stands accused of desertion, after he went absent without leave from the Army rather than return to Afghanistan for his second tour of duty before handing himself in earlier this year, for which he could receive a four-year prison sentence if found guilty.

He is now being held at the Army’s military corrective training centre in Colchester. The Stop The War Coalition has called for the member of the Royal Logistics Corps to be released from custody.

His legal representative, John Tipple, said: “Joe feels obliged to continue to speak out against the war – that is what he is committed to doing.”

Chris Nineham, of the Stop The War Coalition, said: “It is outrageous that military people are allowed to talk to the media about why we should continue with this incredibly unpopular war, yet someone expressing the views of millions of people is gagged.”