A GREENOCK pub boss is set to stand trial over allegations he deliberately obstructed a CID investigation at his premises.

Ian Ellis — referred to in court papers is as John Ellis — is said to have blocked two detectives from entering Cheers bar on West Stewart Street.

Prosecutors say he stood in the way of the male and female officers and told them that they couldn't get in.

He is further charged with instructing his staff not to assist the detective constables until the end of their shift.

The allegations have called in court three months after police pushed licensing chiefs to strip Ellis of his drinks permit — branding him 'unfit' to be a landlord.

Senior officers accused him of being 'uncooperative, unprofessional and obstructive' as they highlighted a catalogue of incidents at the bar, which is known for cut price booze.

They said that one serious assault victim who had been in Cheers needed 120 stitches, and they raised concerns about customers being 'highly intoxicated'.

Police also cited evidence of drug-taking within the pub.

Inspector Julie MacDonald told the board: "I have never before in my career seen anything like this."

But Ellis's lawyer said his client had been targeted by the police after reporting whom he believed to be an off-duty officer urinating on the stairs of the premises.

The board rejected the police request revoke his licence and sent Ellis a warning letter, although members expressed 'concern about reports of over-intoxication'.

Ellis, of Sandbank, near Dunoon, is facing charges under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005 relating to police powers of entry.

The law states that a constable may at any time enter and inspect any licensed premises.

Ellis has tendered pleas of not guilty through lawyer Edward Sweeney.

The case is due to be heard on July 17.