THE mother of a York soldier who could face up to ten years in jail for rebelling against the war in Afghanistan is to attend a city centre protest.

Sue Glenton, the mother of Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, will be at a York Against The War protest against the conflict in Afghanistan on Saturday, in Parliament Street, York, from 1pm to 3pm.

Mrs Glenton said: “Joe’s initial concern was that the war in Afghanistan was and is illegal, and we have had more than 500 letters and cards from people all over the world, military, ex-military and civilian, who totally agree and are offering support – defendjoeglenton@google mail has received 300 messages in the last few weeks.”

L/Cpl Glenton stands accused of desertion, after going absent without leave from the Army, and has also been charged with a string of offences surrounding the part he played in an anti-war rally in London.

The married 27-year-old, from New Earswick, will next appear before a military court at the end of this month, but his legal team have revealed his experiences have led to him being diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

L/Cpl Glenton was released from Colchester Detention Centre on the strength of this diagnosis by a civilian psychiatrist and has been on sick leave since December 14. After the desertion allegation was levelled against him, the former Helmsley Primary School pupil, who spent much of his teenage life in Ryedale, led hundreds of campaigners through London in an October protest march and addressed more than 5,000 people – the first time a serving soldier had aligned himself with such an event.

He was subsequently charged with five offences of disobeying lawful commands and standing orders.