PORT Glasgow dad Thomas Craig died after striking his head on the ground following a brutal street attack, prosecutors claim.

Greenock man John Aitken, 44, yesterday appeared in court from custody charged with murdering Mr Craig in the town centre during the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The Crown claim that Aitken attacked the 63-year-old at the junction of Laird Street and Dalrymple Street, repeatedly kicking him on the legs and repeatedly punching him on the head.

It is said that the blows from Aitken caused Mr Craig to fall to the ground and strike his head, all to his severe injury and that he ‘did murder him’.

Aitken was represented by defence solicitor Gerry Keenan during a brief appearance in private before Sheriff Derek Hamilton yesterday afternoon.

He made no plea and the case was continued for further examination.

Aitken made no application for bail and was remanded in custody.

He is expected to appear again in the dock next week where he is likely to be fully committed for trial.

A 43-year-old woman who was arrested along with Aitken earlier this week has been charged with the common assaults of two women, aged 21 and 22, and a 22-year-old man.

She has been released from custody and will be reported separately to the procurator fiscal.