A MAN locked up for the last eight months on charges of serious assault has been released on bail after a Crown witness told police she had provided 'false evidence' against him.

Michael Bell is accused of attacking a man and woman to injury and severe injury within a house on Greenock's Jura Street last June.

Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan told the latest calling of the case that the female complainer had since stated that she had given erroneous information to police.

Mr Keenan said during a previous hearing last October: "He tells me that he is not enjoying the presumption of innocence but is in fact innocent."

Following enquiries into the matter, prosecutor Claire Rowan told the court: "The complainer has stated to police that she had been under duress to provide evidence against Mr Bell, to provide false evidence.

"That is the extent of what we know."

Fiscal depute Ms Rowan added: "In light of this statement by the complainer the Crown is not opposed to Mr Bell being granted bail."

Bell, 33, and co-accused Stacey Morrison, 21, are charged with repeatedly striking the two alleged victims with 'unknown' weapons whilst acting with a number of other people.

The identities of the others who are said to have been involved are meantime not known to prosecutors.

Bell has been locked up on remand since June 20 last year.

Under current Covid-19 restrictions remand prisoners are confined to their cells for 23 hours a day.

Bell and co-accused Morrison both previously lodged special defences of alibi.

Bell was granted bail on condition he does not approach or contact either complainer in the case and remains within his bail address at Belville Street between 7pm and 7am each day.

The indictment case is due to call again in April.