News in brief: Monday 9 January
Published 9 Jan 2012 13:00
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Disabled man attacked in town centre
A DISABLED man was thrown from his wheelchair after being attacked in Greenock town centre.
Jamie O'Brien, 20, admitted repeatedly punching the man on the head and body, knocking him from the wheelchair, in Dalrymple Street on 5 October.
O'Brien pleaded guilty through solicitor Ellen Macdonald when he appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court.
O'Brien, whose address was not given, was due to be sentenced for the offence on Wednesday, but had the case continued for background reports.
The accused was released on bail to appear later this month.
Rotary Club annual coffee morning
THE Rotary Club of Greenock will hold its annual coffee morning fundraiser at Westburn Church, Nelson Street, Greenock on Saturday, 14 January, from 10am until noon.
There will also be a book stall, home baking and a raffle.
The choir from Aileymill Primary will give a short recital, and musical entertainment will also be provided by Ian McCrorie and some young musicians.
Tickets cost £2 and can be bought at the door.
All proceeds will go to Rotary charities.
Developers appeal councillors refusal for planning permission
DEVELOPERS are appealing a decision by councillors to refuse planning permission for houses in Barrs Brae Port Glasgow.
Councillors were notified of the challenge at a planning board meeting.
Supermarket to appeal store refusal
COUNCILLORS have been officially told that Sainsbury's will appeal the decision to knock back a store in Gourock.
The planning committee refused the supermarket chain permission to open up in Kempock Street.
The committee was informed at a meeting that Sainsbury's has now lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government.
Women fined for attack
A SPURNED lover attacked a woman after finding her in her ex-partner's house - two days after the couple had split.
Lauren Lynch, 19, slapped the female and pulled her hair after finding her in the property in Melrose Road, Port Glasgow.
She had gone to the flat with Laura McIntyre, 34, who also joined in the assault.
Lynch, a first offender, and McIntyre, both of Brightside Avenue, admitted slapping the victim on the face and pulling her hair on 13 May.
Depute fiscal Lindsay MacNeill explained: "Both accused arrived at the property at 11.30am and on finding the complainer present, carried out the assault.
"The victim tried to ring her father for help but on being unable to speak to him, contacted police."
Defence solicitor Aidan Gallagher, who appeared for both accused, said: "Ms Lynch had gone with her friend to retrieve some belongings and found this lady in the house, the relationship having ended just two days before.
"She took exception to this and reacted badly and Ms McIntyre also got involved."
Sheriff John Herald fined both accused £150, adding: "No matter the background or circumstances, you don't go to someone else's house and assault them."
The Tele is on the lookout for newlyweds
DID you tie the knot in 2011? The Telegraph wants to hear from Inverclyde couples who would like to see their wedding featured in the next edition of our glossy Inverclyde Brides magazine.
To take part, email us at editorial@greenocktelegraph.co.uk or contact us through our Facebook page.
IRH disturbance - woman to be sentenced next month
A WOMAN who caused a disturbance in Inverclyde Royal Hospital will be sentenced next month.
Gillian McEwan, 27, pleaded guilty to shouting, swearing and committing a breach of the peace at the hospital, in Larkfield Road, on 9 April.
She admitted the offence through solicitor Gerry Keenan at Greenock Sheriff Court this week.
McEwan, of Murdieston Street, Greenock, had her case continued until February for background reports.
She was bailed to appear by Sheriff John Herald.
Councillor warns of important months ahead
CRUCIAL times are ahead for Scottish Labour according to a senior local politician.
Labour councillor Jim Clocherty says the next four months will be 'make or break' for his party, as it gears up to go head-to-head with the SNP in the Scottish local authority elections in May.
Mr Clocherty, representative for ward three, has been confirmed among the candidates for Labour for the forthcoming election.
He said: "It is a massive four months ahead for Labour in Scotland."
Passenger numbers down on Western Ferries
PASSENGER numbers have dropped at Western Ferries - and the company made a loss.
The number of passengers went down by 1.9 per cent in the year ending 31 March 2011, according to the company's most recent accounts.
But the ferry operator increased turnover by two per cent to £6.3 million in the year.
Costs went up by 7.4 per cent to £5.1m, causing a fall in pre-tax profit from £1.4m to £859,000.
Managing director Gordon Ross blamed the current economic environment.
Mr Ross added: "The company is progressing with its substantial investment in two new vehicle and passenger ferries for the Gourock to Dunoon route."
After-tax figures showed a £2.3m loss, as opposed to a £1.4m profit in 2010.
This was because the company's tax bill rose to £3.1m after it lost a dispute with the tax authorities over the status of its vessels.
Young entrepreneurs encouraged by local MSP
YOUNG businessmen and women from across Inverclyde are being encouraged to put their company forward for a sought after award.
Local MSP Stuart McMillan, a member of the parliament's economy committee, today highlighted the Lloyds TSB Enterprise Awards scheme and encouraged entrepreneurs to enter this year's competition.
It is open to university students or graduates running their own business and will aim to recognise and reward future business stars.
The west of Scotland MSP said: "The scheme is an excellent opportunity to encourage and support small businesses across Scotland.
"As Scotland is full of talented individuals who posses' great potential I believe there will be many excellent applications.
"Therefore, I would encourage university students and graduates to enter the Enterprise Awards scheme."
Those eligible to enter also have to be aged 18 or over and own a business based in England, Scotland or Wales which has been trading for more than one year.
For more information and full details visit www.lloydstsbenterpriseawards.com
Father and son plead guilty to police attack
A FATHER and son have pleaded guilty to a rammy with police officers.
Derek King, 17, and Jason King, 38, were involved in the fracas at their home in Teviot Road on 30 November.
Derek King admitted struggling with two police officers and resisting arrest.
He also pleaded guilty to shouting, swearing and behaving in an abusive manner on the same date.
Jason King uttered threats of violence and resisted three police officers by throwing his arms around.
Both accused pleaded guilty through solicitors Gerry Keenan and Andrew Kennedy at Greenock Sheriff Court this week.
Sentence was deferred for background reports until later this month.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 09 Jan 12
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