A MAN is due to face trial over claims he murdered his girlfriend by repeatedly stabbing her in the neck.

Gary Brown, 54, is accused of killing 52-year-old charity worker Alyson Watt in Penilee Road, Paisley, earlier this month.

He is also charged with trying to murder a 16-year-old boy, who can’t be named for legal reasons, by attacking him with a knife and a hammer.

Ms Watt, who worked for the children’s charity Barnardo’s, was described by colleagues as a “much-valued” member of staff.

Brown, of Uddingston, was arrested after an investigation into the attacks was launched and was taken to hospital to be treated for a neck wound.

He first appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court on June 8, with his neck wound stapled, to face charges of murder and attempted murder.

He made no plea to the charges during the short hearing, where he was represented by defence solicitor advocate Chris McKenna, of law firm Tod and Mitchell.

The case was continued and Brown was remanded in custody.

He then spent seven nights at Low Moss Prison before making his second court appearance in connection with the case last week.

Brown again made no plea to the charges against him during the behind-closed-doors hearing.

Sheriff Robert Fife fully committed Brown for trial during the hearing and continued the case for prosecutors to investigate further.

No future court dates have been fixed but Brown is set to go on trial before a High Court jury in due course.