A MAN is due to go on trial over claims he carried out a brutal knife attack on a woman after previously threatening her with violence.

Christopher McDowall is said to have left April McNaughton disfigured by attacking her with a knife at a property in Port Soy, Erskine.

Prosecutors claim he rained blows on her head and body on August 4 last year after having “previously envinced ill malice towards her”.

Mr McDowall, 28, of Paisley Road, Renfrew, is also said to have sent her threatening messages between July 18 and 25 last year.

He appeared at Paisley Sheriff Court last week for a pre-trial hearing in the case and pleaded not guilty to the two charges against him – assault and breaking the Communications Act by sending “grossly offensive” messages.

Trial was scheduled for next month.