Greenock man jailed after threatening to 'bomb' police cars

George Govans, 49, pleaded guilty to three charges Greenock Sheriff Court concerning an incident which took place on October 14 last year.

The court heard that Govans stole a quantity of alcohol from Tesco on Dalrymple Street, as well as striking a staff member on the body with his hands.

When police attended, he began shouting at officers and making threats of violence.

Govans was observed ‘acting suspiciously’ near the alcohol aisle at around 5:30pm.

A fiscal depute told the court: “He was observed to remove a number of bottles of alcohol and place them in a black holdall bag.

“The witness and another member of staff followed the accused around the locus attempted to speak to him.”

Govans began shouting and swearing at staff, warning them to ‘stop following’ him.

The fiscal depute added: “He then became aggressive and he charged at the witness and pushed him on the chest with two hands, causing him to stumble.”

Police were contacted and later arrested Govans, at which time he started shouting threats at officers.

He said: “I will bomb your cars.

“I know what time you finish. I will smash up all your cars.”

The court heard Govans had stolen alcohol with a total value of £229.50, with all items being recovered.

Defence solicitor Edward Sweeney said his client was currently serving a prison sentence in relation to another matter.

Mr Sweeney added: “He’s a man who has had a very long-standing addiction to illicit drugs from his teenage years.

“That is the basic position behind the behaviour you have heard today.

“He is sober. He had a period in custody to reflect on matters.”

Sheriff Anthony McGeehan told Govans: “The court takes a very serious view of assaults on retail workers in particular.

“I’m satisfied that the only appropriate disposal is custody.”

Govans, of West Blackhall Street, was jailed for a period of 163 days for the offences, with this time to be served upon the completion of his current sentence.