A SCHOOL chaplain is to stand trial accused of having sex with a girl.

John Sweeney, 45, allegedly committed the offence between September 2016 and June 2017.

Sweeney is also accused of kissing and cuddling the girl, who was under 18, as well as sending her naked pictures of himself.

The charge states Sweeney was chaplain at a secondary school in Glasgow where the girl was a pupil. It claims Sweeney met her outside school and took her to various locations in his car.

He is charged with repeatedly engaging in sexual activity with the schoolgirl while in a position of trust. It is also alleged the girl was supplied with alcohol and asked about her sexual history by Sweeney.

Sweeney faces a separate charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at a parish house in the city.

The charge claims Sweeney swore, uttered sectarian remarks as well as repeatedly make a threatening gesture in October 2016.

Sweeney pleaded not guilty on Friday during a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

A trial has been set for March next year by Sheriff Andrew Cubie.

Sweeney, of the city’s Royston, was granted bail meantime.