A train guard whose sacking after a row with a fare evader sparked strike action has been cautioned, British Transport Police said.

Paul Yarwood, 45, of Brightlingsea, Essex, was sacked after the incident on a One Railways service in June - prompting strike action by his colleagues.

He initially denied a charge of threatening behaviour towards the passenger in Colchester, Essex, and was due to stand trial today at Harwich Magistrates' Court. The police said he had now accepted a caution.

"We submitted evidence, including CCTV footage, to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in August," a spokesman said. "A trial had been set but Mr Yarwood's solicitor approached the CPS on October 22 saying he admitted the offence.

"The CPS decided a caution would be appropriate."

Mr Yarwood, who is now working for a removal firm, spoke of his relief that the case had been resolved. He said: "I've had many sleepless nights but now I feel everything is off my shoulders.

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