A MAN charged with targeting a pair of Inverclyde politicians with abusive and sexually explicit messages is set to stand trial at Greenock Sheriff Court.

Brian McDonald is accused of sending numerous insults to one of the two over a period of time spanning four months between April and July last year.

It is claimed by prosecutors that the alleged communications were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene, or menacing character.

McDonald, 65, is also said to have sent similar messages from his home in Paisley to the second politician on July 9, 2023.

It is further claimed that he communicated indecently with a third alleged victim last July when he is said to have sent her text messages of an 'explicit sexual nature'.

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McDonald is accused of communicating indecently with one of the complainers between April 27 and July 9 last year by sending an email of an explicit sexual nature.

The Crown claims he also sent an email, addressed to two complainers, containing comments of a sexual nature.

According to prosecutors, McDonald communicated indecently with one when he allegedly repeatedly sent an email which contained comments of a sexual nature about the other.

McDonald, of Lapsley Avenue in Paisley, denied the allegations at a pre-trial calling of the case at Greenock Sheriff Court.

The hearing was told that there are 'still some major issues that require to be addressed' before a trial can get under way.

Seven witnesses are listed to give evidence during an anticipated two-day sitting.

Sheriff Clair McLachlan rescheduled a summary trial for later this year.