Shop theft accused in court

Two men have appeared in court charged with committing three robberies in as many hours.

Gary McGowan, 23, from Greenock, and 19-year-old Craig Kelly, from Stevenston, Ayrshire, were both charged with three counts of robbery when they appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court yesterday.

They are alleged to have staged hold-ups in three shops within a 30-mile radius in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire on Wednesday.

Ashton Stores in Albert Road, Greenock, the Spar shop in Ardgowan Road, Wemyss Bay, and Howwood General Stores in Station Road, Howwood, were all targeted.

The accused are expected to appear in court again next week.