The libelled incident took place in Linwood last Tuesday afternoon and the person accused of it – local man William Norwood – is still on the streets after he was granted bail by a sheriff.

An 11-year-old girl – who can’t be named for legal reasons – was in a Linwood street when a man started speaking to her.

The man was traveling in a car being driven by a pal when he began speaking to the youngster, and it’s claimed that he made sexual remarks towards her.

Police launched an investigation to try and find out who was responsible and, during their probe, suspicion fell on Norwood.

The 51-year-old, of the town’s Gilmartin Road, was tracked down and arrested by officers and was held in police custody pending an appearance at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Court papers allege that Norwood intentionally caused the child to hear a sexual verbal communication by making inappropriate comments towards her, inviting her to enter the car he was in.

Prosecutors claim that the vehicle Norwood was traveling in was being driven by a Christopher McBride and that other adult males were in the car at the time.

He is being prosecuted under Section 24 (2) of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009 for allegedly deliberately allowing a child under the age of 13 to hear comments of a sexual nature.

He also faces an alternative charge that he placed the youngster in a state of fear or alarm by behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards her.

Prosecutors allege that he did so by making inappropriate comments to her and invited her to enter the car he was in.

Mr Norwood appeared in court just after 2pm on Thursday, October 23.

His lawyer, Jonathan Manson, told the court his client was pleading not guilty to the charges against him and wanted to be released on bail.

After agreeing not to approach or contact or make any attempt to see or get in touch with his alleged victim, Sheriff Tom Ward released the accused on bail.

As well as having to attend court for his trial and a pre-trial hearing, Mr Norwood also has to attend for an identification parade within 48 hours of being told one is taking place.

He is next due in the dock in connection with the case in May next year. His trial is due to take place in June.