A KILBIRNIE man has denied claims that he assaulted a 12-year-old child.

Ian Robson pleaded not guilty to two charges relating to two incidents involving the same child on two separate occasions last year.

On November 5, 2022, it is alleged that at Spider play park in Kilbirnie - as well as a bus stop near Newhouse Drive - Mr Robson behaved in a threatening or abusive manner towards the child which was likely to cause them fear or alarm.

It is claimed that he did so by shouting, swearing and shouting threats of violence at the young boy.

A futher allegation claims that on November 15 the same year, he assaulted the child at a bus stop near Newhouse Drive and slapped him on his head to strike a bus shelter, which caused the boy injury.

Mr Robson denied both allegations when his case called at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week.

Following his not guilty pleas, the Kilbirnie man will now return to court later this year to stand trial.