A DEATH threats accused who claims he can't attend his trial in Greenock next week because he's working in Dubai has been ordered by a sheriff to turn up — or face being locked up.

Damian Storie had his lawyer ask for proceedings to be postponed until the summer and provided a letter from his employer in the United Arab Emirates, declaring him unavailable before July.

But Sheriff Joseph Hughes refused to allow the near two-year-old case to be delayed any further and ruled that Storie — a chef — must be in Greenock for the trial on Thursday.

The lawman noted that matters had already been continued by another sheriff, to allow Storie to check on his availability.

Sheriff Hughes remarked: "I wouldn't have given two hoots about that, and I think this trial should have proceeded."

Storie, 49, is charged with twice uttering threats to kill his partner or ex-partner at a house at Dunnock Grove, Inverkip.

Prosecutors say he committed the alleged offences during the coronavirus lockdown on May 17 and 30 in 2020.

Storie moved to Dubai in November of that year, the court heard.

His lawyer said that he would be back in Scotland between July 2 and 11 only.

However, the court trial diary would have to be adapted to accommodate the case during this timeframe, Sheriff Hughes was told.

Fiscal depute Raeesa Ahmed said there were four vulnerable witnesses in the case and that the Crown was ready to proceed with the trial.

Sheriff Hughes said: "The accused has had since July 6 [last year] to know about this case.

"There is a defence motion to adjourn, the accused is available to be contacted via email.

"In my view this case should proceed on March 24.

"These are serious allegations and we should not be running the court around 'Mr Dubai', given that his defence is being publicly funded."

The sheriff told Storie's lawyer: "Make it clear to him that if he is not here a warrant will be taken for his arrest.

"If that comes to pass he is not likely to get bail."