A MAN accused of murdering a grandfather on a bus is claiming he was insane at the time.

Lawrence Patrick yesterday made his first public appearance in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 46-year-old is charged with stabbing to death Alexander Glassford, 59, on board a First bus near the city's Yoker Ferry Road on August 12 last year. Mr Patrick's QC Brian McConnachie entered a not-guilty plea on his behalf and lodged a special defence of insanity in connection with the alleged killing.

Judge Lord Turnbull set a trial due to begin in March this year.

Mr Patrick is currently detained at the State Hospital in Carstairs.