A SCOTRAIL train conductor is to stand trial, accused of attacking a man with his ticket machine.

William McCallum, 55, is alleged to have carried out the assault at Polmont station in September 2012.

He denies assaulting Ryan Johnston by seizing him by the clothing and striking him on the head with his ticket machine to his injury.

McCallum, of Bonnybridge, Stirlingshire, pleaded not guilty by letter at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday.

Sheriff William Gallacher was handed the letter, dated January 23, by depute fiscal Graham McLachlan.

The sheriff said the case should continue to trial at the end of May, with a preliminary hearing set for the start of that month.

A Scotrail spokeswoman confirmed that McCallum was an employee and was currently suspended.

She said: "We are unable to comment while criminal proceedings are under way. However, we do not tolerate anti-social behaviour from staff or customers."