Assault charges dropped against former Inverclyde Council leader

Domestic assault charges against the former leader of Inverclyde Council have been dropped by prosecutors.

Stephen McCabe stepped down from the leadership role in November after charges were brought against him.

The councillor was suspended by the Labour Party after the allegations, which included threatening behaviour, emerged.

However, the matter has now been dropped by the Crown.

McCabe denied assaulting a woman at a home in Kilmacolm, near Greenock, in October. He further denied a separate charge of shouting and acting in an aggressive manner towards her.

A hearing took place at Greenock Sheriff Court but the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service has said it has decided not to proceed further after "careful consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances".

However, it reserves the right to proceed in the future.

The Labour Party said it "takes all complaints serious" and issues are "fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken".

McCabe, who has sat as an independent since his suspension, has yet to comment on the development.