A MAN is accused of extortion by allegedly demanding £50 per week from a businessman or his premises would be burned down.

Joseph Murphy, 29, and an unknown person, allegedly threatened Azad Mohammed last December in Glasgow’s Gallowgate area.

Prosecutors claim Murphy told Mr Mohammed he would “arrange” the inferno if he didn’t deliver him the money.

Murphy is also said to have behaved in a threatening or abusive manner on a journey to a police office by uttering threats of violence.

He faces a final charge of assaulting PC Thomas Canning at the police office by striking him on the body.

Murphy pleaded not guilty today at a hearing in Glasgow Sheriff Court.

A further hearing date was set for next month by Sheriff Paul Crozier who remanded Murphy in custody meantime.