A SENIOR councillor for Southend Borough Council appeared at court to stand trial for assault.

Tony Cox, ward councillor for West Shoebury and Southend Council’s member for transport, waste and regulatory services, was set to stand trial over the assault charge yesterday.

He is charged with causing Jamie Waterfield actual bodily harm in Southend on May 20 and has denied the charge.

The 39-year-old made a brief appearance at Basildon Crown Court but the trial was adjourned before it could even begin due to the absence of key personnel in the prosecution’s case.

It is set to be rescheduled by the Crown Prosecution Service.