Fare-dodger assault man charged

A passenger who threw a suspected fare-dodger off a train in Scotland has been charged with assault, British Transport Police have said.

Alan Pollock nicknamed 'Big Man' is seen in viral mobile phone footage manhandling 19-year-old Sam Mains during an altercation between the Falkirk youth and the ticket inspector.

Mr Mains was then pushed head-first onto the platform - receiving cuts to his face and bruises.

[Related video: Tube dancing man shoved off train]

British Transport Police said in a statement: "We can now confirm that a 35-year-old man from Stirling and a 19-year-old man from Falkirk are the subject of a report to the local Procurator Fiscal in connection with an incident on-board the 21:33 Edinburgh Waverley to Perth service, at Linlithgow on Friday 9 December 2011."

At first, the 'Big Man' was hailed a 'hero' by many for tackling Mr Mains, while others criticised his heavy-handed response.

Student Sam Mains also faces prosecution after he was reported under section 38 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing Act Scotland, which covers threatening and abusive behaviour, and with trespass. He has yet to be formally charged.

Watch the viral footage again