A MAN has gone on trial accused of murdering his 87-year-old grandmother.

Garry Kane, 40, is accused of fatally attacking Kathleen Milward at her home in Brodie Place, Stonehouse, Lanarkshire, on January 3, 2012.

The jury at the High Court in Dumbarton were told Mrs Milward died from head and neck injuries and aescemic heart disease. This was part of a joint minute of facts agreed by the Crown and defence which were read out to the jurors. It is alleged the 40-year-old hit the pensioner on the head with a blunt implement and applied pressure to her neck. He is also accused of stealing money.

Kane also faces an allegation he behaved in a threatening and abusive manner to his grandmother between December 24, 2011, and January 3, 2012.

He denies all charges against him. The trial before judge Lord Matthews is expected to last 10 days