THE jury trial of a 53-year-old man accused of striking a man with a sword during an incident in Hawick is due to begin today.

Edward Tams pleaded not guilty at Selkirk Sheriff Court to brandishing a sword at David Adamson in Weensland Road on October 14.

He is then alleged to have repeatedly struck him on the body with the sword to his injury and permanent disfigurement.

Tams - who was described on the complaint as a prisoner and is currently remanded in custody - also faces a second charge of having a sharply pointed article in a public place.

He has lodged a special defence of self-defence.

A trial date has been fixed for today and is expected to last three days.