Takeaway race charge A MAN has appeared in court charged with a racially aggravated assault on a worker at a Port takeaway.

David Ptolomey, 22, is accused of attempting to punch an employee at the Village Tandoori in Princes Street on 14 March. He also faces a charge of calling the man a racially abusive name.

Ptolomey, of Markinch Road, pled not guilty through solicitor Gerry Keenan at Greenock Sheriff Court where matters continue.
Father and son's Art School blaze escape A FATHER and son from Greenock had a lucky escape after being caught up in the inferno which ripped through the iconic Glasgow School of Art.

Michael Darrah and his son, also Michael, from specialist window cleaning firm M Darrah and Sons, had to be rescued from the Charles Rennie Mackintosh building on Friday after a blaze started in the basement. Both were working on the level above when smoke poured up from the floor, through the walls and out of the vents.

It is understood the pair had to be rescued by firefighters but managed to escape unharmed.

A source said: “They got out fine — they were lucky. They were in the building because they are contracted to clean the windows and were working on the floor above where the fire started.”
ARREST after security guard assault claim A MAN was arrested after allegedly assaulting a female security guard at Greenock Sheriff Court.

The incident is reported to have happened at the Nelson Street building at around 1pm on Tuesday.

Police say an incident occurred while a 42-year-old G4S guard was handcuffed to a male.

A 55-year-old man is to appear in court at a later date in connection with the incident.
McGill's set for bumper contract renewal INVERCLYDE bus operator, McGill’s, is set to be awarded a renewed contract to operate daily evening services between Greenock, Wemyss Bay and Largs.

The company’s bid to operate the hourly return route for £112,320 over the three period from 13 July 2014 to 15 July 2017 has been recommended for approval.

Strathclyde Partnership for Transport is expected to ratify the proposal — which equates to a cost £37,440-a-year — at a committee meeting today.

A report states that the current cost of the 576 and 578 services is £50,056, and accepting the McGill’s bid would result in annual savings of £12,616.
Competition winner THE winner of our competition for the Jamie MacDougall show is Janette McGrory, of Port Glasgow.

She receives a pair of tickets for the popular tenor’s performance at the Beacon Arts Centre this Saturday.

Tickets are still available for the performance on 712712.
Man fined £1,000 A GREENOCK man has been fined £100 for breaking a condition of his bail order.

Andrew McCafferty, 21, of St Lawrence Street, was told not to contact a woman in June last year following an appearance at Greenock Sheriff Court. He admitted being in her company at an address in Cumberland Road in November that year.
Social club AGM BRITANNIA Social Club in Terrace Road, Greenock, is holding its AGM on Sunday. The meeting starts at 2pm.
Ferry passengers rise THE number of passengers using the Gourock to Kilcreggan ferry is going up again after a dip.

A total of 56,975 sailed on the route during the year which ended on 31 March.

This compared with 52,617 in 2012/13 and 57,725 the previous year.

Figures for recent four-weekly periods comparing this year and last show a drop in March but increases in February and April.
Man faces Samurai sword charge A MAN has appeared in court accused of brandishing a Samurai sword at police officers in Greenock.

Peter McCormick, 35, is accused of challenging four constables to a fight, brandishing a sword at them and moving towards them aggressively in Hay Street on Friday.

He is also accused of a breach of peace and being in possession of an offensive weapon.

McCormick, of Antigua Street, appeared from custody at Greenock Sheriff Court, represented by solicitor Gerry Keenan.

He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

The case has been continued for further examination.