A former Abingdon soldier yesterday handed back his campaign medal in protest at the British military’s continuing presence in the war in Afghanistan.

Joe Glenton, 27, who was a Lance Corporal with 4 Logistic Support Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, based at Dalton Barracks in Abingdon, was jailed for nine months after refusing to return to Afghanistan for a second tour of duty.

He spent four months at a military corrective training centre in Colchester, after going absent without leave.

Speaking at a press conference in Westminster before handing over his Veteran’s Badge to 10 Downing Street, he said: “I’ve been in exile and prison for raising my views and I looked at it and thought rather than having it gather dust here, I’ll take it and give it back to them. It will be symbolic, a symbolic protest. I think it is a very powerful gesture.”

He was joined by members of the Military Families Against The War campaign group.

Mr Glenton served one tour of duty in Afghanistan, but deserted from the Army in 2007, when he was ordered to return. He went to Asia and Australia before flying back in 2009 after more than two years away to face proceedings.