Not guilty pleas to a string of charges

A man was allegedly robbed of cash and a mobile phone at his Coatbridge home.

Joseph Buchanan, 30, and Ross Murray, 22, are accused of demanding cash, punching their victim repeatedly, brandishing a hammer and screwdriver at him, covering his mouth with their hands and threatening violence.

The robbery is said to have happened in Kirkwood Street on April 20 last year.

Buchanan and Murray allegedly punched and kicked a woman repeatedly on the head and body to her severe injury and permanent disfigurement at a flat in Motherwell on the same day.

It’s further alleged they punched another woman repeatedly on the face, while the pair are also accused of breaching coronavirus restrictions by “participating in a gathering outside your household” in Viewpark, and elsewhere, on April 12.

It’s alleged that Murray put two police officers at risk of infection by spitting at them repeatedly near his home in Viewpark that day.

Murray is also accused of having a knife, acting in a threatening or abusive manner, resisting arrest and committing a string of motoring offences including driving carelessly while under the influence of alcohol.

Buchanan, a prisoner, is charged with threatening or abusive behaviour and carrying two knives.

Lawyers for the accused tendered not guilty pleas at Hamilton Sheriff Court earlier this month.

A further preliminary hearing will be held on March 19.