A MAN charged with robbing a bookmaker's shop in Greenock was absent from a calling of the case in court because of serious health issues.

Dylan Henderson, 22, has a heart functioning at 23 per cent of its capacity and requires transplant surgery, his lawyer Michael McKeown stated.

Mr McKeown also told the first calling of the indictment case that his client has recently suffered a stroke.

Accused Henderson is charged with robbing the Betfred premises on Greenock's East Crawford Street with his face masked.

Prosecutors say he assaulted a male employee by brandishing an unknown item at him before jumping over a counter and demanding money.

It is alleged that Henderson robbed the shop of 'a quantity of monies' on August 14 in 2019.

The case is due to call again in April.