A SOLDIER accused of desertion has appeared before a court martial charged with a second offence.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, part of the Royal Logistic Corps, based at Dalton Barracks, Abingdon, was initially charged with disobeying a lawful order.

The new charge is thought to relate to his appearance at a demonstration in London last month opposing the war in Afghanistan.

L Cpl Glenton, 27, refused to return to Afghanistan in 2007.

If found guilty, he could serve two years in prison.

His case was adjourned on Tuesday to a date yet to be set.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We can confirm that disciplinary action against a serving soldier from 4 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, is currently in progress.

“As this matter is subject to legal proceedings it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage.”

L Cpl Glenton, who is a member of Stop the War Coalition, joined the Army in 2004 and went absent without leave before handing himself in after two years and six days.