A MAN is set to stand trial in the new year after being accused of assault and threatening his own mother - and skipping a taxi fare.

Alan Clark denied all three charges against him when he appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court on Tuesday, November 12.

Court papers detail a pair of offences the 48-year-old is alleged to have committed on August 7 of this year.

Crown prosecutors claim that Clark assaulted his mum - who was aged 73 at the time - at an address in Skelmorlie.

It is said that he demanded money from the woman, took a hold of her, threw the pensioner to the ground causing her injury, and robbed a purse which contained a sum of money.

Further allegations state that, on the same day, Clark hired a taxi from Cardwell Road in Gourock to a pair of addresses in Skelmorlie - and then back to Gourock - without paying and intending not to pay the fare of £55.49.

A final accusation relates to an alleged offence which is said to have taken place on August 13 at West Blackhall Street in Greenock.

The charge states that Clark behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards his mother by acting aggressively, grabbing hold of her clothing, shouting at her, demanding money and that she attend the bank and obtain money for him.

Following his not guilty pleas, Clark's solicitor Aidan Gallagher told the court that he was ready for a trial date to be set.

Prosecutor Gemma McKechnie confirmed that the Crown were also ready to proceed to trial - which is expected to last two to three days. It is anticipated that up to eight witnesses could be called - four police officers alongside the same number of civilians.

Sheriff George Jamieson continued the matter to trial, with a date set in the new year.