Michael Beaton: Man in court amid Greenock murder inquiry

Alexander McQuillan, 25, from Greenock, is also charged with an alleged threatening or abusive behaviour offence and theft of a motor vehicle.

He made no plea during a private hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court and has been committed for further examination and remanded in custody. He is due to appear at court again next week.

Mr Beaton, 35, died in hospital on November 26 after he was found with serious injuries in Drumfrochar Road earlier that night.

In a public plea for information, Police Scotland said Mr Beaton was 'struck by a light-coloured vehicle and then attacked with a bladed weapon'.

Paisley Sheriff Court (Image: Street View)

Detective Chief Inspector Lynsey Watters, from the Major Investigations Team (West), said at the time: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the exact circumstances of the incident however we do not believe that this was a random attack.

“This was an extremely violent attack which has shocked the local community and caused disruption to their daily routines whilst we carry out our forensic enquiries.

“I’d like to assure the people living in the area that we are doing everything we can to trace the person or persons responsible for this shocking incident and that there will be an increased police presence in the area."

The force sealed off parts of Drumfrochar Road and Cornhaddock Street in the aftermath of the incident, while forensics officers were later spotted combing the scene and the nearby St Patrick’s Primary School was closed for two days.

A follow-up appeal sought details on a damaged white Audi Q2 before officers confirmed the arrest of McQuillan over the weekend.