A MAN has been barred from using the internet after appearing at Greenock Sheriff Court charged with targeting Syrian refugees by posting racially abusive and threatening remarks online.

Scott Clarke, 40, is said to have committed the alleged offence by sending messages from his own Facebook account to that of the Scottish Defence League between February 12 and 14.

A number of people who have fled war-torn Syria have been provided with homes in Inverclyde and elsewhere in recent months.

Accused Clarke, whose address was not given in court, has denied the allegation against him.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady did not oppose his request for bail but told Sheriff Iain Fleming: "Given the nature of the alleged offence I would ask for a special condition that the accused does not access the internet.

"This case has already given rise to significant media coverage and any further access to the internet, and Facebook in particular, could cause further difficulties."

Sheriff Fleming granted bail on condition that Clarke does not use the internet while proceedings remain live.

Clarke is due to return to court on April 19 ahead of a trial currently scheduled for May 25.