Not proven A GREENOCK man has walked free from Glasgow High Court in a child abuse case.

James Mahon, 61, of Branchton, faced various charges which were found not proven by a jury.

The alleged offences, which he denied, dated back to 1987.


Cheaper TV licence VISUALLY impaired people living in Inverclyde are being urged to claim their TV licence concession.

Anybody in the area who is severely sight impaired, or lives with someone who is, can claim a 50 per cent reduction in the cost of their licence.

Last year more than 37,400 blind concessionary licences were issued in the UK, including over 30 in Greenock.

Anyone with sight problems can get information by email or in Braille, large print or audio by calling 0300 555 0300.

Alternatively, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/blind
Woman’s heroin charge A PORT woman has appeared in court charged with possession of heroin.

Helen Cochrane, 42, is accused of having the Class A drug near her home in Maxwell Street on Monday.

She appeared on petition in private at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday, represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher.

Cochrane made no plea or declaration and was granted bail.

The case was continued for examination.


Missing mobile appeal A MAN is appealing for help to find his phone.

David Williamson says he accidentally left his Nokia 620 phone, which has a black leather cover, on the 531 Slaemuir to Greenock bus on Friday night.

If you can help call 716364.


Cruise in 2015 FRED Olsen Cruise Lines have issued a correction for the departure date of a Black Watch trip from Greenock to the Caribbean.

The 32-night cruise leaves on 10 November 2015 and not 2014, as the company had earlier said.

A spokesperson said: “Not only is Fred Olsen embarking on its first-ever sailing from Scotland to the Caribbean, but we are also the first cruise line ever to do so.”
Teen is jailed A VIOLENT teenager has been jailed for two years over an assault in which he stamped on the head of his victim.

Dean Campbell, 18, carried out a sickening attack in Greenock’s Arthur Street along with another male on 25 May last year. He repeatedly kicked the victim on the head and body to his severe injury.

Campbell, of Cartsdyke Court, appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court, represented by solicitor Gerry Keenan, to plead guilty.


Litter causes traffic delay TRAFFIC will be delayed by a litter clearing operation next week on one of Inverclyde’s busiest roads.

It will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday between 9.30am and 3pm on the A78 stretch between the Flatterton Road junction and Bankfoot Roundabout.

Litter will be cleared away from the central reservation and verges.


Call to reverse flood cash decision HUNDREDS of locals have waded into the argument over Inverclyde’s recent failed bid for flood prevention cash.

Almost 350 people have signed up to a new Facebook campaign page calling for Holyrood chiefs to reverse their decision to reject the council’s application for a £3.1 million share of a £40m flood funding pot.

The government said the bid did not meet the strict criteria set out but local authority chiefs are adamant it did.

Councillor James McColgan, who set up the Facebook campaign page, said: “I am really disappointed that the Scottish Government has refused Inverclyde’s application because we ‘didn’t meet the criteria’.

“The council wants to target 16 flood-prone areas across Inverclyde but needs this funding to try and prevent future flooding.

“Money is clearly not the issue here as there is still a significant amount of unallocated funding.

“The Scottish Government must reverse their decision and help us prevent future flooding in Inverclyde.”
Man charged over smash A MAN has been charged following a collision in which an Audi allegedly struck a parked vehicle in Greenock.

The incident happened on Monday at 1pm at Morton Terrace near Belville Street.

There were no reported injuries.

Police today confirmed that a 29-year-old from Greenock has been charged with driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

A report has been sent to the procurator fiscal.


Threatened PCs A MAN has admitted threatening police officers in Greenock town centre.

Sean Wilson, 24, shouted and swore while in West Blackhall Street on 19 January and continued making violent threats in a police vehicle.

He pled guilty to the offence at Greenock Sheriff Court, represented by solicitor Aidan Gallagher.

Wilson, of Inverkip Road, will be sentenced next month after Sheriff Rajni Swanney deferred sentence for background reports.


Call for support CALL centre staff in Greenock have helped raise thousands of pounds to support people with cancer.

Webhelp UK, which has a base at Holt Court, handed over a bumper £10,000 cheque to Macmillan Cancer Support.

The company’s Greenock site organised a number of activities to help with the fundraising efforts.

Jan Forrest, area fundraising manager for Macmillan, said: “We could not support people living in the UK with a cancer diagnosis without the generosity of the people of Webhelp, who have excelled themselves through recent fundraising efforts along with the substantial company donation received for £10,000.”