A BARRHEAD man has appeared in court charged with throwing a pyrotechnic at people taking part in a Scottish Defence League demonstration at the weekend.

Martin Macaulay, 26, is accused of culpably and recklessly throwing the item towards the crowd at George Square, Glasgow, on Saturday and exposing them to risk of injury.

He also faces a second charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by shouting and swearing at police officers and at those taking part in the SDL demonstration.

Macaulay allegedly ran towards them “in an aggressive manner”.

He appeared from custody at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday and was represented by Paul Kavanagh, who submitted a plea of not guilty on his behalf.

Sheriff Joseph Platt granted bail and a trial date was set for November.

About 50 people attended the SDL rally, which called for police to "deal with Glasgow's grooming gangs" and promote people's right to "highlight the issue".

Unite Against Fascism Scotland organised a counter-demonstration, which had gathered support from trade unions, pro-refugee campaigns and anti-racism groups.