The trial of a Conservative councillor accused of threatening a man with an air gun is due to begin today.

Nick Buckmaster, of Mount Echo Drive in Chingford, is due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court at 3pm today to answer one count of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and unlawful violence to Brett Stark.

The Larkswood ward councillor was refused bail and has been remanded in custody since January 18 when he was arrested after an incident in College Gardens, Chingford.

He has not yet entered a plea.