LEADING councillor Chris McEleny has been ordered by a sheriff to pay damages following a dispute over a football trophy.
The SNP council group leader was taken to court in his capacity as an official of Gourock Amateur Football Club over a claim from local firm Trophy World Direct. 
Owner Pat Burke had gifted Gourock Amateurs a loan of the trophy for a league presentation.
But Mr Burke took the case to Greenock Sheriff Court after claiming it was damaged and broken when returned.
The sheriff found in Trophy World's favour and ordered that Chris McEleny, as chairman and match secretary, pay damages of £301.56.
But Mr McEleny is now challenging the decision.
He said: "My voluntary role at Gourock Athletic amateur football club is completely separate from my role as a locally elected councillor. 
"In 2015 the club was on the verge of folding which would've left Gourock without an adult football team. 
"With the assistance of now Greenock Juniors manager Thomas Molloy, we stepped in to ensure the club survived. 
"My role since then has been an off the park role, facilitating the booking of parks, referees and representing the club as Match Secretary/Chairman to the football league. 
"As this alleged incident is returning to court it would be inappropriate to discuss it further until the sheriff has made a final decision on it. 
Mr McEleny was not present at the court hearing when Sheriff Daniel Kelly found in Trophy World's favour.
The case against Thomas Molloy, who was another official, was dropped because he no longer holds a position with the club.
The Tele understands the trophy at the centre of the dispute related to a play off match between Gourock Amateurs and another side.
Gourock won the game and were presented with the silverware, which belonged to Trophy World Direct.
The company supports many local football clubs.
Its owner Mr Burke also runs the Children in Poverty Inverclyde charity and over the last four years he has raised tens of thousands of pounds to help send local families on holiday.
Mr Burke said today: "I fully endorse the sheriff's decision in October and I await his decision on the recall."