18 October 2011 Last updated at 07:17 ET

Cowie man denies compost tool charges

A man is to stand trial accused of committing a breach of the peace by waving around a tool used to stir compost.

Graham Vincent, 52, is alleged to have brandished a compost aerator on a footpath in Wallace Crescent, Cowie.

The aerator was described as an "offensive weapon" during a hearing at Stirling Sheriff Court.

Mr Vincent, of Ochre Crescent in Cowie, denied all the charges relating to the alleged incident.

As well as a breach of the peace, he is accused of acting in a disorderly manner while carrying the tool, which is used to help speed up the composting process.

The court heard that he also denied a second charge that without lawful excuse or authority he had with him an offensive weapon - namely the aerator.

Lyndsey Brooks, prosecuting, said that the Crown were ready for trial. Sheriff William Gilchrist continued the case to a trial diet on 14 November.