A MURDER bid accused charged with stamping on the head of a man during an alleged mob-handed attack in Greenock has been allowed back on the streets.

Jack Malloy - who is said to have been on sheriff court bail at the time of the claimed life-endangering assault - was yesterday released from custody following a hearing at the sheriff court.

Malloy, 18, has been formally charged with attempting to murder a 50-year-old man after police were called to an incident at the corner of Nicolson Street and its junction with West Shaw Street.

He is accused of repeatedly punching and kicking the alleged victim on the head and stamping on his head to his severe injury and permanent impairment in the early hours of Sunday morning.

According to the Crown, Malloy 'did attempt to murder' the man.

Greenock Telegraph:

Detectives cordoned off the scene in the days after the incident, which took place at around 12.50am on April 7, and police announced yesterday that four males had been arrested and charged in relation to the matter.

Greenock Telegraph: Four people have been arrested and charged following a serious assault on a man in Greenock

Another 18-year-old and two boys aged 16 and 17 have since been released and are not currently facing any further proceedings.

It is claimed that Malloy carried out the alleged serious assault 'whilst acting with others' and whilst subject to bail conditions imposed in October last year for a separate case.

Malloy appeared on petition in private at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday afternoon and made no plea through defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher.

Sheriff Shirley McKenna allowed bail, with a date for the next calling of the case to be confirmed.

The Telegraph previously reported that police were hunting for three hooded men in connection with the incident having issued a public appeal for private CCTV and car dash-cam footage from the area.

The alleged victim was taken to hospital for treatment and police have not provided an update on his condition.