A TIME-WASTER who falsely told police that he had been targeted in a 'drive-by shooting' in Greenock has been wished "good luck" by a sheriff during a sentencing hearing.

Brian Meechan has been spared any punishment, at least for the time being, after Greenock Sheriff Court heard that he has checked into a long-term drug rehab facility in England.

The 52-year-old previously admitted to fabricating an allegation that he had been threatened by armed men, weeks after a fatal shooting in the Larkfield estate.

Meechan has been ordered to stay out of trouble until next year while he completes a stint with the Be Strong project in Bolton.

A sheriff told the offender that the programme “can do the world of good”.

Meechan confessed to officers at the town’s police station that he had concocted the ‘shooting’ story in a bid to secure a house move, as he thought it was “a good way to get a crime number”.

Previous court hearings were told that he “temporarily deprived the public of the services” of constables after turning up at the Rue End Street HQ on March 25 last year and stating that a male passenger had “waved a handgun” at him from a vehicle travelling along his home street.

The court heard: “Police witnesses attended to speak to him and he reported that in the first instance, a blue vehicle passed him on Cumberland Road and a male passenger waved a handgun at him.

"He also claimed that the same car passed him again, and the man fired two shots at him from inside the vehicle."

The PCs reported the alleged incidents to colleagues in CID, and two senior officers spoke with Meechan.

A prosecutor added that the officers asked him if it had happened, as a major investigation would be launched if it was true.

Defence solicitor Gerry Keenan said Meechan's false report was “a somewhat grandiose move to get a new house”.

Mr Keenan previously told the court that Meechan's decision on the day was influenced by the fact that he had taken street valium.

The lawyer added: "He was under the influence and his perception was this might be the way to get that move.

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"In the cold light of day, he realises that was ridiculous.

"He came clean less than two hours later, and CID already suspected this was not true.

"The period of time the police were involved was relatively short."

Sentencing had been deferred after several earlier callings of the case.

But after the court heard of Meechan's rehab efforts, he will now not be sentenced until April 2025.

Sheriff Euan Cameron told him: “This is a relatively serious charge but on the other hand attendance at the project can do nothing but good.

“Take this opportunity, it can do the world of good.

“If there is any return to criminality the court may take a different view.”

On being thanked by Meechan as he left the dock, Sheriff Cameron added: "I wish you good luck."