A man is to stand trial charged with murdering a 72-year-old pensioner in a knife attack in his own home.

James Nolan, 32, is accused of killing Malcolm Ballantyne at his home in Saltcoats, North Ayrshire, last August.

Prosecutors allege the OAP was repeatedly struck on the head and body with a knife or similar item. It is further claimed Nolan did "effect blunt force trauma" to Mr Ballantyne "by means unknown".

Nolan is also said to have failed to obtain medical help for the pensioner. He faces a separate accusation of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

This includes claims that he fled to Brighton in Sussex after the alleged murder and also disposed of the knife or similar implement.

Nolan is further accused of theft and two drugs charges. Gordon Jackson QC, defending, pled not guilty on his behalf and also lodged a special defence of alibi.

Judge Lady Scott set a trial due to begin in August. The case is expected to last around five days.