A TEENAGER accused of murdering 26-year-old John Winters in Johnstone High Street claims he was acting in self defence.

Jack McBride, 18, appeared at the High court in Glasgow yesterday and denied murdering Mr Winters on April 1 this year, by stabbing him with a knife.

His defence QC Thomas Ross lodged a special defence of self-defence.

McBride is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

It is claimed he compelled his mother Pauline McHaffie to clean a knife used in order to avoid detection, arrest and prosecution.

McBride faces further charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner as well as the possession of a knife and a metal pole in a public place without a reasonable excuse.

He denies all the charges against him.

As a result of the coronavirus epidemic it is not possible for a trial diet to be set.

Judge Lady Stacey continued the case for a further hearing in April next year.

McBride, who appeared by video link, had his remand in custody continued meantime.