A MAN charged with inflicting alleged life-threatening attacks on his former partner and a child at addresses in Inverclyde was absent from a calling of the case — because he's on a cruise.

Graham Bolton, 59, is facing a total of 11 indictment charges regarding allegations of violence stretching back more than 32 years.

He was present in court last month when the date was set for the latest calling of the case.

His lawyer said: "The cruise was booked in September and Mr Bolton is due to return on January 28 — presently moored in Lisbon."

Sheriff David Pender remarked: "He must have realised in December when he was here."

Bolton's lawyer said: "It is regrettable."

The case is now due to call again on February 21.

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