A REPEAT offender who was hooked on street valium when he robbed a vulnerable woman in Greenock will spend almost two years behind bars.

Serial convict Christopher Hendry was sentenced yesterday after admitting to snatching the female victim's bag and its contents in Clyde Square three-and-a-half-years ago.

Hendry, 44, pleaded guilty to the robbery and another indictment charge of having a knife in a public place without reasonable excuse or lawful authority on February 1, 2020.

Not guilty pleas were previously accepted by prosecutors at an earlier calling of the case to two further charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and presenting the blade at two men, and assaulting a detective sergeant by spitting on him at Greenock police office.

Monday's hearing was told that Hendry has been remanded in custody since his guilty pleas were tendered on July 13.

His solicitor, Aidan Gallagher, told the court: "One would have to accept it is a serious matter involving a vulnerable woman and one does not lose sight of that, recognised by the fact of the guilty plea.

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"The stress that would have been caused to the complainer having found herself the victim of this robbery, albeit no injury was caused, it was distressing for her.

"He had a serious drug problem - street valium was a very serious issue for him at that time. His lifestyle was chaotic.

"Drug misuse has been a problem for a number of years and it was directly related to this offending."

Mr Gallagher said Hendry's substance abuse has also impacted on his mental health and he was detained at a psychiatric hospital before the case concluded.

The lawyer added: "He has been drug-free whilst in custody and he is starting to see the benefit of that."

The court heard that Hendry, who has previous convictions for assault, has a criminal record stretching back more than 20 years.

Sheriff James Varney said a criminal justice social work report prepared for the sentencing hearing stated Hendry was at high risk of reoffending and there was 'no alternative to custody'.

Hendry was sentenced to 21 months in prison.