A MAN is behind bars over claims he attacked a Johnstone delivery driver with a baton and a Taser in a bid to rob him of his car.

Brian Murdoch, 23, is alleged to have targeted Martin New, 29, in Cochranemill Road, Johnstone, in April.

Prosecutors claim that, between April 18 and April 19, Murdoch assaulted Mr New “then acting in course of his employment.”

He is said to have pursued him, brandished a baton or similar weapon and an electric stun gun or similar weapon at him while shouting, swearing, and demanding Mr New hand over his property.

Murdoch is then said to have struck Mr New on the body with the electric stun gun and the baton, in an attempt to rob him of a set of keys for his Nissan Micra - and the vehicle itself.

A police investigation into the alleged assault and attempted robbery was launched and, during the probe, suspicion fell on Murdoch.

He was arrested and held in police custody overnight before appearing in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court last week. 

He made no plea during a private hearing, where he was represented by defence solicitor Anthony Boland, of law firm Tod and Mitchell.

The case against him was continued for prosecutors to investigate further and Murdoch was remanded in custody.

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