A PORT Glasgow man accused of verbally abusing two retail workers at a supermarket in the town is set to stand trial next month.

Patrick Reid is charged with behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards a pair of male employees at the Lidl store on Newark Street on April 6.

Reid, 58, shouted, swore, made threats of violence and uttered a homophobic remark during the alleged incident, according to Crown prosecutors.

It is claimed that the alleged offence was aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation, and that it was committed while Reid was subject to bail conditions.

Reid, who appeared from custody in relation to a separate matter for which he received a backdated prison sentence, pleaded not guilty to the charge through solicitor Aidan Gallagher at Greenock Sheriff Court this week.

Sheriff Sean Lynch continued the case to a trial scheduled for September 4.