THREE men are to stand trial after denying charges of committing assaults while acting in a sectarian manner.

It is claimed that Martin Bowie, 25, of Tower Drive, Darren Connaghan, 20, of Kirn Drive, and Greg Minton, 24, of Ashton Road, all Gourock, assaulted John McCormick and James Hamilton, repeatedly punching and kicking them and knocking them to the ground.

It is also claimed that they attempted to bite Mr Hamilton on the head to his injury at Gilmour Street station in Paisley.

The incident is alleged to have happened on a rail journey from Glasgow to Paisley on July 5 last year.

The accused are also alleged to have conducted themselves in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing and singing sectarian songs.

Sheriff James Spy set a trial date for October 19 when all three appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court yesterday to lodge not guilty pleas.