A MAN charged with a coronavirus-related 'saliva' assault on a female police officer has lost a bid to be released on bail ahead of his trial.

Derek King — who was first remanded in custody in April — will now remain locked up until at least October, when the case is due to call again.

King is facing three indictment charges, two of which allege that he claimed he had Covid-19 before repeatedly spitting and assaulting the officer.

The 26-year-old, of Port Glasgow, had originally been accused of deliberately spitting on her face when he first appeared in court on petition three months ago.

However, the wording of the allegation has since been changed to claim he did 'deliberately cause saliva to be transmitted from your mouth onto her face'.

King is also said to have behaved aggressively, repeatedly spat whilst in close proximity to police officers and cause saliva to land on another PC's clothing.

Prosecutors say he also shouted, swore and made offensive remarks before resisting, obstructing or hindering four officers who were lawfully arresting him.

The alleged offences are said to have occurred on the Port's Marloch Avenue and en-route to Greenock police office on April 24.

King was on an undertaking to appear in court on another criminal matter at the time.

He maintained pleas of not guilty to the charges through lawyer Gerry Keenan at the latest calling of the case.

Mr Keenan made a motion for bail which was opposed by prosecutor David Glancy.

Sheriff Joseph Hughes further remanded King in custody.

The matters are due to call again on October 6.