A man is to stand trial charged with the rape and murder of his sister.

Charles Gordon faced the accusations during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

The 52 year-old is charged with the sex attack on Elizabeth Bowe at a house in St Andrews, Fife, last September 17.

He is accused of killing the 50-year-old at the property in Bobby Jones Place on the same day.

Prosecutors allege he struggled with his sister before putting his hands around her neck.

The murder charge also includes claims Gordon placed a dressing gown around her neck and a bag over her head which did "restrict her breathing".

He faces a third charge of behaving in a threatening manner towards detectives two days later.

Gordon's lawyer Calum Weir pled not guilty on his behalf during a hearing on Friday.

Judge Lord Bonomy set a trial due to start in May in Livingston. The case could last up to six days.