A train guard whose dismissal sparked a series of union strikes has denied threatening behaviour against a passenger.

Paul Yarwood was sacked by One railway after the incident at Colchester North Station on June 7.

He appeared before Colchester Magistrates' Court yesterday and denied the charge.

The incident was captured on CCTV on the train and this will be produced in court.

Speaking after his court appearance, the 44-year-old, of Campernell Close, Brightlingsea, struggled to hold back tears.

He said: "This was an opportunity for me to put my side of the story.

"I have pleaded not guilty because I am not guilty - I have done nothing wrong.

"This has put a lot of strain on my family and our livelihood, everything we have built up has gone - we've even had to sell our house.

"I've never been in trouble with the police before and I don't think I've even had a parking ticket."

His wife Maria added: "I would just like to thank everyone for their support in this case."

More than 100 RMT union members in north Essex staged strike action to protest over Yarwood's sacking by One.

Yarwood will stand trial at Harwich Magistrates' Court on November 1.