A MAN is to stand trial later this year charged with the murder of his 87-year-old grandmother.

Garry Kane, 40, appeared at a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

He is alleged to have attacked Kathleen Millward at her home in Stonehouse, South Lanarkshire, on January 3 this year.

The charge includes allegations he struck her on the head and applied pressure to her neck. He is also alleged to have stolen a sum of money from the house.

Kane faces a separate allegation that he behaved in a threatening and abusive manner towards his grandmother. He is further accused of possessing heroin and three theft charges.

Kane denies all of the charges. A trial was set for November this year.