A KNIFE carrying offender who kicked out at a constable inside Greenock police office immediately apologised for the assault and said: "I shouldn't have done that."

Arthur Rennie, who had earlier been found with a blade in a public place without reasonable excuse, lashed out after being locked up in a cell for the weapon offence.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard the 27-year-old has 'spent a long period of his life in custody', and despite being jailed again for his latest crimes he will be back on the streets due to the backdated sentence.

Rennie was remanded earlier this year and will be released having already served the equivalent of the 16-month jail term he received last week.

Wednesday's hearing was told police officers discovered a silver lock-back knife in one of Rennie's trouser pockets following a stop and search in Holmscroft Avenue on March 17.

After being arrested and taken to Greenock police office, an 'angry' Rennie 'lunged forward' and kicked a constable on the knee before being restrained.

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Responding to the assault charge at the station, he said: "I do apologise, I shouldn't have done that."

Rennie, listed as an inmate at HMP Low Moss, appeared in the dock in handcuffs having pleaded guilty to two of three indictment charges.

He was cleared of allegedly assaulting his own mother on the same date as the other offences when, it was claimed, he repeatedly attempted to strike her on the body with a knife at Keystore in Cathcart Street.

Solicitor Amy Spencer said: "The serious nature of these offences coupled with his record would merit a custodial sentence.

"He appears to have spent a long period of his life in custody to no effect.

"At the time he was struggling in the community in relation to addiction and mental health problems.

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"He had negligible support whilst at liberty.

"It goes a way in explaining the circumstances.

"His explanation [in a criminal justice social work report] adds flavour as to the chaotic lifestyle he was leading at the time.

"The difference in him is night and day since being free from all drugs."

Ms Spencer said that while Rennie's recent time in prison has 'stabilised' him, custody is having 'no effect on his offending behaviour'.

Sheriff Anthony McGeehan said: "It is always a matter of concern to the court when a person is found in possession of a knife.

"The offences are made worse due to your significant criminal record involving analogous matters.

"I am not persuaded that an alternative to custody is appropriate in this case."

Rennie, who was previously jailed for trying to rob a Greenock shop with a two-foot sword, was sentenced to 16 months in prison, reduced from 18 months due to his guilty pleas and backdated to March 20 when he was remanded.