Two men hampered the Alesha MacPhail murder inquiry by targeting a police car at Wemyss Bay ferry terminal — leaving it with a punctured tyre.
Darren Fisher and Liam Kelly had jumped on to the marked Peugeot 308, which was part of a large contingent of 999 vehicles set to board a sailing to Bute to assist with the probe into the six-year-old's horrific killing.
Our sister title The Greenock Telegraph reports that both men — who had earlier caused havoc in the nearby Station Bar — took selfie photos in the midst of their outrageous antics before Fisher was seen to make a 'jabbing motion' at the tyre.
Prosecutor Pamela Brady told Greenock Sheriff Court: "Due to a very serious incident being investigated on Bute, numerous police vehicles were to be used in assisting with inquiries."
READ MORE: Alesha MacPhail murder accused's phone "how do police find DNA"'
Mrs Brady added: "Police were dealing with the murder of Alesha MacPhail."
Fisher, 25, and Kelly, 22, smirked in the dock of Greenock Sheriff Court after pleading guilty between them to threatening and abusive behaviour in the pub, demanding money, making offensive and sectarian remarks, jumping on a police car and striking and damaging it with an unknown object.
They are today behind bars awaiting sentence next month.
Little Alesha was brutally murdered by evil Aaron Campbell, 17, who is now serving a minimum 27-year sentence.
Fiscal depute Mrs Brady told the court: "Fisher and Kelly entered the Station Bar at 9pm on July 5 last year.
"Around half-an-hour later they began shouting, which seemed to be directed towards another patron which was making him feel uncomfortable.
"Kelly shouted and swore a derogatory remark about Catholics and he was challenged by the barmaid.
"He then shouted, 'I bet she's one of them'.
"The barmaid took their drinks from them and told them to leave.
"Both accused shouted abuse at her and one demanded his money back.
"She was also called a 'wee cow'.
READ MORE: Alesha MacPhail murder accused's phone "how do police find DNA"'
"The barmaid contacted police as both accused remained in the bar, shouting and swearing.
"They then went outside and she was so alarmed that she locked the doors behind them so that they couldn't get back in."
Mrs Brady added: "At this time other witnesses in the car park became aware of both accused jumping on the bonnet of a marked police car.
"This was observed by the barmaid as well as others in the bar.
"They appeared to be taking photos of themselves on the car.
"Darren Fisher then removed an item from his pocket and made a jabbing motion to a nearside tyre.
"Both accused then entered a vehicle being driven by a third party which headed off in the direction of Greenock.
"The tyre of the police vehicle was completely flat."
Both men — now remanded in custody — were later found and arrested, the court was told.
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre had to tell them to 'stop smirking' in the dock as the details of their behaviour were outlined.
He added: "This is an extremely serious matter."
The sheriff deferred sentence until September 4 for background reports.
He warned them: "You should be realistic about the prospect of a prison sentence when you return."
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