LAWYERS representing an Abingdon soldier accused of going absent without leave are trying to get the case dropped by claiming he has got post-traumatic stress disorder.

Lance Corporal Joe Glenton, of 4 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, based at Dalton Barracks, is due to face a court martial accused of desertion for refusing to return to Afghanistan in 2007. He also faces five charges surrounding his role in an anti-war demonstration in London in October last year.

Yesterday, his legal representative, John Tipple, called on the Ministry of Defence to drop the case against him after saying a doctor had diagnosed Glenton with post-traumatic stress.

Mr Tipple said: “He was examined on November 21 by a doctor at his Harley Street surgery.

“I wasn’t surprised, anyone who has even taken a fleeting glance at what’s going on in Afghanistan will know people are expected to do things that are unnatural and it leaves its toll.”

Mr Tipple said the MoD should “show a proper duty of care to L Cpl Joe Glenton and discontinue the case against him”.

“Clearly he needs treatment which we are arranging.”

A spokesman for the MoD said: “The case against L Cpl Glenton was referred to the Independent Service Prosecuting Authority.

“It is for them to decide what charges L Cpl Glenton should face.”

The married 27-year-old will next appear before a military court near Salisbury in Wiltshire on January 29.