A railway enthusiast who has been fighting to save a piece of London's rail heritage has been subjected to a campaign of intimidation, a court heard.

Pensioner Keith Hammerton, whose campaign is backed by Prince Charles, has received threatening phone calls and has been beaten up, the High Court heard on Monday.

Mr Hammerton is challenging London Underground's plans to demolish the historic Bishopsgate Goods Yard to make way for its planned multi-million pound East London Line extension.

The court heard it was not suggested that London Underground had played any part in what had happened to Mr Hammerton.

It is a serious attempt to interfere with the administration of justice

Mr Justice Ouseley

Judge Mr Justice Ouseley called on police, British Transport Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions to do everything possible to protect Mr Hammerton and catch those responsible.

He said: "I was appalled to read what has happened. It is disgraceful - totally disgraceful.

"This is a case where clearly a person or group of people have come on to Mr Hammerton on account of this litigation.

"It is a serious attempt to interfere with the administration of justice."

The judge directed that files should be sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions and that Mr Hammerton's address be blanked out in court papers.

Mr Hammerton, representing the London Railway Heritage Society, accuses London Underground of failing to comply with the conditions of planning consent for the Tube extension.

He is seeking a High Court ruling that demolition of the goods yard would be unlawful.