A THUG who stormed into Greenock Sheriff Court and headbutted a man who was due to give evidence against him in a trial has been spared a prison sentence.

Stuart Sorley targeted and attacked his victim in front of a young child within the foyer of the building just minutes before the case was due to be called.

Instead of jail the 45-year-old multiple offender has been ordered to carry out 45 hours of unpaid work and will be under social worker supervision for a year.

The court was told previously that Sorley, of Cornhaddock Street, carried out the assault amid a 'bad blood' neighbour dispute.

He pleaded guilty on the day he was due for trial on the matter after viewing colour CCTV footage of the flashpoint incident.

The court had been told how he walked 'aggressively' and 'at speed' towards the man before smashing his head into the left side of his face.

Sorley's victim had been holding a young child and had just put the youngster on the floor moments before he was attacked, the court heard.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "There is quite a lengthy background here.

"There is a history of bad blood."

Sorley committed the offence on the morning of July 20 last year.

In carrying out the assault he was also in breach of a bail order not to approach or contact the other man in any way.

As well as the unpaid work and supervision orders, Sorley has been placed on an electronic tag to remain within his home between 9pm and 7am each day for 18 weeks.