A TEENAGER accused of murdering a man in Johnstone town centre claims he was acting in self-defence.

Jack McBride, 18, appeared at the High Court in Glasgow today, where he denied murdering 26-year-old John Winters in the town's High Street on April 1 by stabbing him with a knife.

Thomas Ross QC, representing McBride, lodged a special defence of self-defence.

McBride is also accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

It is claimed he compelled his mother to clean a knife used in the incident, in order to avoid detection, arrest and prosecution.

McBride faces further charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, as well as the possession of a knife and a metal pole in a public place without a reasonable excuse.

He denies all of the charges against him.

As a result of the coronavirus epidemic, it was not possible for a trial diet to be set.

Judge Lady Stacey continued the case for a further hearing in April next year.

McBride, who appeared from custody by video link, had his remand continued in the meantime.