A man has denied trying to use over £1,000 in counterfeit money at stores in the Three Towns.

Thomas Maughan, of Blackburn in England, appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week to face eight charges all referring to August 8.

He pled not guilty to four charges under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act, three charges under the Road Traffic Act, and one under the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act.

Maughan, 37, allegedly on two occasions passed or tendered as genuine to an employee at Saltcoats in Iceland, and on one occasion at Boglemart Street in Stevenston, two counterfeit Bank of Ireland £50 notes.

He also allegedly passed or tendered as genuine to another employee at the store counterfeit Bank of Ireland and Ulster Bank notes to the value of £980.

It is also alleged that Maughan used a car in Stevenston’s Canal Street and Bogelmart Street, without an insurance policy and using a driving licence with an incorrect name or address.

Maughan was bailed and will return to the court in February for trial.