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Assault charge against ex-council leader dropped

Inverclyde Council A man with dark greying hair looks at the camera in a close-up shot. He has dark eyebrows and is wearing a dark grey suit and light-coloured shirt. He visible from the neck up. He is in front of a white background. Inverclyde Council
Stephen McCabe quit as council leader after denying the charges

Prosecutors have dropped assault and threatening behaviour charges against former Inverclyde council leader Stephen McCabe.

He resigned from his position in November following an appearance at Greenock Sheriff Court.

Mr McCabe, who was suspended by Labour pending the outcome of an investigation, denied shouting and acting in an aggressive manner towards a woman and a second charge of assaulting her at a home in Kilmacolm on 27 October last year.

A spokesperson for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said it had decided not to proceed after "careful consideration of all of the relevant facts and circumstances".

They said the Crown reserves the right to proceed in the future.

Labour said it "takes all complaints seriously".

A spokesperson added: "They are fully investigated in line with our rules and procedures, and any appropriate action is taken."

Mr McCabe, who is sitting as an independent, was succeeded by Labour's Robert Moran as council leader in December.