A DISABLED pensioner accused of criminal damage and verbal abuse at Colchester Library has had the charges against him dropped.

Gregory Cox, 70, of Wilson Marriage Road, Colchester, sat behind his defence solicitor in Colchester Magistrates’ Court while the two employees he was accused of abusing gave evidence.

During a row over the disabled toilet last July, Mr Cox was accused of slamming the door behind him so hard it damaged the wooden door frame.

This was after being approached by a customer services assistant to say there was not enough time for him to use it before the library closed.

Evidence from two members of staff claimed Mr Cox, who had a radar key to use the ground floor loo, was verbally abusive and heavy handed.

However, he denied their version of events. Addressing District Judge John Woollard, defence solicitor, Kate Nutter, said: “There’s no evidence any damage was actually caused.

“Not one of the witnesses we’ve heard from were aware of any damage until it was brought to their attention the next day.

“There’s no CCTV or any photos or any evidence of any costs which may have occurred in relation to the repairs suggested.

“Given the lack of evidence I would invite you to withdraw it.”

The first worker told the court she approached Mr Cox at about 6.25pm, five minutes before closing, and his demeanour was “aggressive and confrontational”.

She claimed his shouting, which continued until he walked out, made her feel “intimidated and offended”, but also the tirade was aimed at her and her colleague.

However, her colleague, who has impaired hearing, said the shouting he could hear from inside the toilet was “indistinct” and Mr Cox’s abuse was not directed at him.

He also agreed with Ms Nutter during cross-examination that Mr Cox, who told police he never swears, had no legitimate reason to slam the toilet door.

The court heard extracts from Mr Cox’s voluntary police interview in October 2017, when he disputed ever being spoken to by the first worker and alleged there was a conspiracy against him.

Judge Woollard dismissed the criminal damage and using abusive words or behaviour charges.