AN armed robbery accused Greenock man allegedly battered a booze shop worker with a bottle whilst holding a knife and stole the store's till.

Prosecutors say Lewis Piggot, 23, targeted the New Best Cellar outlet on East Crawford Street with his face masked when he was on two bail orders for other criminal matters.

Piggot is said to have demanded money, made threats and presented and brandished a bottle at a male staff member.

It is alleged that he repeatedly struck the man with the bottle whilst in possession of a knife or similar implement before robbing him of a cash till and a quantity of money.

The Crown says the alleged robbery occurred on March 14 last year.

Piggot, of Mavis Road, has pleaded not guilty to the indictment charge through lawyer Aidan Gallagher at the sheriff court.

A sheriff and jury trial has been scheduled for December.