THE man accused of killing 25-year-old Ross McLaren-Gow claims he was acting in self-defence.

Robert McGivern, 28, is alleged to have murdered Mr McLaren-Gow by repeatedly stabbing him on the body with a knife at 81 Bellvue Crescent, Bellshill, Lanarkshire, on October 3 last year.

McGivern, who is represented by QC John Scullion, pleaded not guilty and lodged a special defence of self defence when he appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.

He is also charged with repeatedly stabbing Nicholas Leggat on the body with a knife at 81 Bellvuew Crescent on October 3 last year and behaving in a threatening and abusive manner.

McGivern has lodged a special defence of incrimination to the assault on Mr Leggat.

Judge Lord Arthurson set the trial for August and said: “It is expected to last seven days.”