A MAN has pleaded guilty to the murder of a Greenock dad almost a year ago.

Richard Mullan admitted a charge of killing Michael Beaton, 35, in Drumfrochar Road in the town on November 26, 2023.

The indictment stated that the 20-year-old drove a car with a "cloned" registration plate at excessive speed, before hitting what was described in the charge as a "pedestrian crossing box".

The vehicle went on to the pavement before being driven at Mr Beaton, who was struck by the vehicle.

Mr Beaton was left so severely hurt that he passed away at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow later that same day.

Mullan appeared in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow on Friday, when his lawyer Brian McConnachie KC entered a plea of guilty to the murder charge.

Michael Beaton was struck and killed by a car driven by Richard Mullan in Drumfrochar Road in November 2023.Michael Beaton was struck and killed by a car driven by Richard Mullan in Drumfrochar Road in November 2023. (Image: George Munro/Police Scotland) Lewis Wiggins, 23, had also faced the same accusation, but his not guilty plea was accepted by prosecutors.

Alexander McQuillan, 26, meantime faces a separate murder charge involving Mr Beaton.

It is claimed that while Mr Beaton was lying on the ground following the incident involving Mullan, McQuillan repeatedly struck him on the head with a machete or similar weapon.

Among other allegations he faces is a charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.

The charge includes a claim that McQuillan stole Mr Beaton's vehicle and left it at a car park before changing his clothes.

McQuillan's KC Angela Gray pleaded not guilty on his behalf during Friday's hearing.

McQullian will now face a trial in November 2025. Sentencing for Mullan was adjourned until then.