A MAN is to stand trial accused of trying to kill and rob three people in North Ayrshire in a month.

Dylan Shanks allegedly first attacked James Connelly and Natalie McDermont at a house in Irvine on January 14, 2021.

It is claimed the 21-year-old was acting with an accomplice, and both were masked and in possession of a hammer and knife.

Threats are said to have been made to Mr Connelly and Miss McDermont with demands for cash.

Prosecutors allege Mr Connelly was repeatedly hit with the hammer and Miss McDermont both weapons leaving her unconscious.

The two charges claim Shanks attempted to murder the pair with intent to rob.

Shanks faces the same accusation in connection with another alleged incident in Kilwinning on February 19, 2021.

It is claimed he asked Stuart Walker for money, pushed him and struck him on the head with a sharp implement.

The case called for a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow yesterday (Tuesday) where defence QC Thomas Ross pled not guilty on Shanks' behalf.

Both he and prosecutor Louise Beattie agreed a trial could be fixed.

Lady Stacey set a trial due to begin in Lanark on August 1. It could last around five days.