A MAN has admitted trying to break into a house in Helensburgh with intent to steal – but has denied doing so while armed with a knife.

Christopher Murray pleaded guilty to attempting to enter the property in Craigendoran Avenue through a window last August.

Murray, 21, also admitted breaching a bail condition by being outwith his bail address when the offence was committed, in breach of a curfew.

The 21-year-old accepted his guilt to the two charges when he was brought to Dumbarton Sheriff Court from custody on December 28.

But Murray – listed in court papers as a prisoner at HMP Greenock – will stand trial next month on two further charges relating to the incident on August 16.

He denies being in possession of an article which had a blade or was sharply pointed, namely a knife, at the time, and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by brandishing a knife or similar implement and challenging a witness to fight.

Murray's solicitor, Peter Malone, told the court: “It's my understanding that those not guilty pleas are not acceptable to the Crown.

“The issue is whether a knife was involved or not.”

Kevin Doherty, prosecuting, confirmed that was the Crown's position and asked for a date to be set for Murray to stand trial on the two unresolved charges.

Murray will stand trial on Thursday, February 1.