THE man who appeared in court accused of killing Port Glasgow dad Thomas Craig has had the murder charge against him dropped.

Greenock man John Aitken, 44, had originally appeared in private last Friday following the discovery of Mr Craig's body in the town centre during the early hours of March 14.

He had been charged with murdering the 63-year-old by repeatedly kicking him on the legs and punching him, causing his victim to fall to the ground and strike his head on the ground.

But the case took a dramatic twist on Friday afternoon when Aitken reappeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court.

The Telegraph understands that, after considering the evidence and alleged circumstances of the case, Crown prosecutors decided to reduce the libel, meaning Aitken is no longer facing a murder charge - or a life sentence if convicted at the High Court.

He is now charged with repeatedly kicking Mr Craig on the legs and repeatedly punching him on the head, but it is now said that his actions caused the dad's death, but not that Aitken murdered him.

Aitken was again represented by defence solicitor Gerry Keenan during his second appearance in private before Sheriff Derek Hamilton.

He again made no plea and the case was continued.

Aitken currently remains remanded in custody.

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.

A large part of Greenock town centre was sealed off following the fatality as a massive inquiry was launched.

Dalrymple Street was cordoned off all day along to the Bullring roundabout.

The Tesco petrol station was shut, with no access to business premises on Laird Street, Roslin Street, Haig Street and Hood Street.

Part of Container Way was also closed along with connecting streets, with motorists advised to avoid the town centre area if possible.

Forensics officers combed the scene throughout the day, with a heavy police presence put in place. A mobile police station was also drafted in as officers gathered evidence.