Woman hit boy A PORT woman will be sentenced in June after admitting assaulting a teen boy.

Charlene McLaughlin, 31, punched the 15-year-old on the head near her home in Dubbs Road in May last year.

She appeared at Greenock Sheriff court to admit the offence through solicitor Andrew Kennedy.


Assault fine A PORT man who assaulted a woman at a house has been fined £600.

Joseph Cunningham, 29, grabbed the woman by her necklace and kicked her on the body at an address in Greenock’s Auchmead Road in October last year.

He appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing after admitting the offence through solicitor Aidan Gallagher.

Cunningham, of Roseneath Road, was also placed on a 12 month community payback programme with a six-month supervision order.


Plan views MEMBERS of the public have 28 days to make any comments about a £400,000 plan to construct a new sea outfall in Gourock.

Scottish Water has asked the Scottish Government’s permission for the project at Cardwell Bay.

The plans are currently on show at Gourock library.

Any objections must be made in writing to Marine Scotland at 375 Victoria Road, Aberdeen.

Comments can also be sent by email to MS.marinelicensing@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
Be the Bee’s Knees COMPANIES throughout Inverclyde are being warned not to miss the chance to take part in one of Scotland’s top business competitions.

Entries have been flooding in for the prestigious Bee’s Knees business awards run by Greenock Chamber of Commerce.

The deadline is 31 March and companies of any size can apply as long as they operate within Inverclyde, have been in business for more than a year and meet the relevant category criteria.

Winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 6 June.

Entries should be made online at www.greenockchamber.co.uk
Shop plans scuppered PLANS for two new shops in Wemyss Bay have been rejected.

Council planners have denied permission for construction on a brownfield site at Shore Road next to ‘The Lighthouses’ flats just off the A78.

Permission was being sought for a food outlet and another unit which would have been used for retail purposes or office space.

But council officials said the units would be in a designated residential area and additional traffic would be detrimental to people living there.

It was also decided that the development would negatively impact on nearby shops.


Man denies having heroin A GREENOCK man is to stand trial after denying possession of heroin.

Prosecutors allege that Alistair Jannetts, 32, had the Class A drug while in Kilmacolm Road in September.

Jannetts, of Clydeview Road, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court to plead not guilty through solicitor Derek Buchanan.

Proceedings were adjourned until May.


Ton camps praised EX-MORTON player Stuart Rafferty has praised his former club for encouraging youngsters to get involved in exercise.

Stuart, football development officer for the area, is thrilled to see Ton’s Community Trust launch more football camps for children aged two to 15.

New sessions will run from 7 to 18 April.

Stuart said: “It’s great how far the camps have come in only the second year.

“When we look at the number of children who have taken part it has been brilliant.”
Report expected on assault match JUNIOR football beaks are awaiting a report on a game which saw police called to Ravenscraig Stadium.

Tempers flared on and off the pitch last Saturday after Beith’s Kenny McLean — a former Morton player — was sent off for head-butting Greenock captain Tam Jamieson.

Scottish Juniors’ Association secretary, Tom Johnston, said today that the matter would be dealt with ‘in due course’ once the match referee had filed his report.

Mr Johnston said: “It will be dealt with as and when we are in a position to do so.

“My understanding is that the police were called only as a precaution.” Nine players were booked during the 90 minutes in addition to McLean’s ordering-off.

Greenock won the match 2-0.


Money Matters to kids CHILDREN from the local U Matter Club are celebrating a cash boost of £260 from a charity fundraiser.

Anastasia Williams held a party at Cruden Hall in Greenock on 8 February and raised £1,040.

The money was was split between Greenock girls Holly Watt and Megan McGarva, the club and Inverclyde Down’s Syndrome Group.


Autism plan approved A NEW strategy aimed at helping people affected by autism has been approved.

The 10-year plan — agreed by the community health and care partnership — focuses on ‘empowerment’.

Partnership chairman, Councillor Joe McIlwee, said: “It is important that we improve our understanding of autism.”
Fundraisers face Ben Nevis for Harry A BUNCH of bravehearts are gearing up to scale Ben Nevis on a climb which has been inspired by a special wee boy.

A group of family and friends are set to reach new heights and tackle the peak to raise funds for a charity which helps Greenock youngster Harry McCallum.

Harry suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and his grandfather Eddie McCallum, licensee of the Broomhill Bar, is one of the people taking part in the challenge.

Two-year-old Harry lives with his parents David and Linsay in Greenock’s Essex Road.

The incurable disease he suffers from causes the muscles to weaken and leaves children wheelchair bound before their teens.

Harry’s family have thrown themselves into fundraising and have already raised £13,500 for a trust which carries out vital work to support sufferers and their parents.

Broomhill Bar boss Eddie said: “There will be around 15 of us, some people are coming up from England to take part and we hope to raise a few thousand pounds.” The climb takes place in late June and the fundraisers would welcome sponsorship.

Anyone who wants to make a donation should call 791526.


‘Inequality to widen’ - MSP THE Budget will see no let-up in the UK Government’s austerity programme, an Inverclyde-based MSP said today.

Stuart McMillan of the SNP said the inequality gap would widen.

He said: “There was little acknowledgement, if any, to the cost of living crisis which is affecting so many individuals and families throughout the country. The Chancellor missed an opportunity to support the most vulnerable in society.”
Man admits shouting threats A MAN has appeared in court to admit shouting, swearing and uttering threats.

Craig Bell, 35, committed the offence on 24 February near his home in Lansbury Street.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton remanded Bell in custody to await reports before sentencing him.