A MAN charged with biting a police officer after allegedly being found in possession of scissors whilst drinking Bailey's liqueur in a street has been locked up.

Drew Murdoch, 26, is said to have committed a total of six offences, including 'culpably and recklessly' denying that he had the the bladed item prior to being searched.

He has been remanded in custody since his arrest in March and had applied for bail through lawyer Aidan Gallagher ahead of a further pre-trial hearing in September.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard that Murdoch would have been in custody for six months by the time the case recalls, due to the backlog in court proceedings due to coronavirus.

Sheriff Joseph Hughes refused the motion, telling Murdoch: "I appreciate these are difficult times but at this juncture I am not minded to grant you bail."

Murdoch is said to have been caught drinking Bailey's on Glasgow Road in the Port on March 4.

Prosecutors say he had the scissors in his possession without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

It is further alleged that he failed to inform a police officer of their existence when told he was to be searched, exposing the PC to the risk of injury.

Murdoch is said to have shouted, swore, repeatedly spat and repeatedly headbutted the inside of a police vehicle after being arrested.

It is alleged that he also made abusive remarks and threats of violence towards the police, attempted to headbutt an officer and bit him before kicking another officer on the body.

He has denied all of the charges through lawyer Aidan Gallagher.

The case is due to call again on September 8.