TWO rail staff were confronted by a man wielding a mallet at Colchester North station, a court has heard.

Robert Bell had a grievance because he had been issued with a fine.

The 49-year-old, who was holding a 10ins mallet, demanded the staff give him money.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard Bell, of Hunting Gate, Colchester, told the two revenue staff: “You owe me money, give me what you have.”

Stephanie Farrimond, prosecuting, told the court Bell was told to put the mallet away, and he placed it in a bag before leaving the station. He was arrested by British Transport Police minutes later.

Bell was jailed for two years, three months, after he admitted charges of attempted robbery and possessing an offensive weapon on July 31 last year.

Sarah Vine, mitigating, told the court Bell had a grievance against the rail company because he had been issued with a penalty ticket.

Judge Anthony Goldstaub QC told Bell: “You are not a danger, but more of a nuisance.

“It was a half-baked robbery attempt, but it was still frightening for the staff involved.

“They deserve the protection of the courts.”

After the case, Det Con Alan Reed, from British Transport Police, said: “This was a serious incident involving two rail employees. The judge was right to say rail staff deserve the protection of the courts.”