THE Salvation Army addiction support boss arrested over an alleged incident at the charity's Greenock base has appeared in court on weapon and threatening behaviour charges.

Brian Murphy is accused of placing his wife in a state of fear and alarm at the Regent Street premises.

It is alleged that Murphy, 53, armed himself with a hammer.

Both charges against him state that the alleged offences were 'aggravated by involving abuse of a partner or ex-partner' under the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016.

The Telegraph told last week how police were called to Salvation Army building at around 9pm on August 10.

Murphy and colleague Eileen McCann — who is not facing any criminal proceedings — have been suspended indefinitely by the Christian charity pending completion of an internal investigation.

Murphy pleaded not guilty to the charges against him through lawyer Ellen Macdonald after appearing at Greenock Sheriff Court on a police undertaking.

He was allowed bail by Sheriff David Hall on condition that he stays out of the street where his wife lives.

Murphy, whose bail address was given as Oronsay Avenue, Port Glasgow, has also been ordered not to approach or contact his spouse, or attempt to do so, in any way.

A Salvation Army spokesman said last week: "We can confirm that two members of staff have been suspended while we conduct an investigation.

"Our floating support service continues to operate as normal and the people we support remain our priority.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time."

The criminal case is due to call again on January 11 next year, ahead of a trial scheduled for February 2.