London , England ( CNN ) -- A British soldier who went absent without leave rather than return to fight in Afghanistan was jailed Friday for nine months by a military court , officials said . A Ministry of Defence spokesman confirmed that Lance Corp. Joe Glenton had been convicted by a military judge at a court martial in Colchester , southeast England , . Glenton , who completed a seven-month tour of duty in Afghanistan in 2006 , became an outspoken critic of British military operations in the country during his absence , frequently appearing at anti-war rallies and on television . In an interview last July , the 27-year-old told CNN that he was not a conscientious objector , but was refusing to return because he felt the 2001 invasion and subsequent conflict against Taliban militants was not a legitimate use of force . `` The situation in Afghanistan and our involvement is further antagonizing the Muslim population of the world , '' Glenton said . `` I think the conflict has become part of the problem , not part of the solution . ''
CNN Glenton jailed for seven-month for refusing to fight . Joe Glenton told Lance Corp. he was not a conscientious objector . 27-year-old said conflict was not legitimate use of force .