A THUG fined after terrifying staff at a Gourock bar and damaging a lifesaving defibrillator is setting up a new drinks business despite having a booze problem, the sheriff court has heard.

Ross Morgan - who has been convicted of a catalogue of crimes stretching back more than a decade - is 'playing a significant part' in the venture, according to his lawyer.

The 30-year-old repeat offender failed to turn up for a previous sentencing hearing last November for a threatening and abusive behaviour offence at the Cardwell Inn which resulted in frightened staff having to lock the front door to keep him out.

Morgan had a warrant issued for his arrest and was apprehended by police at Greenock Sheriff Court last week after appearing for a separate case, which was deserted.

Morgan entered the Cardwell Road venue on the night of the incident and was immediately told to leave, the court was told.

He then 'got rowdy, acting in a threatening manner', according to a prosecutor, who said Morgan told a female complainer to 'come sit in my lap'.

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He shouted a slur at the woman and said: "I found you in a trap house."

The procurator fiscal depute said Morgan tried to gain entry to the side of the bar and damaged an automated external defibrillator device when he struck it with the hatch at the bar.

Employees locked the door of the premises to prevent Morgan from re-entering after he eventually left and he was later arrested and charged by police.

Defence solicitor, David McCaig, said his client was 'planning on going to South Africa' but that move is now on hold due to family member's recent medical diagnosis.

The lawyer said: "He is playing a significant part in a new business venture.

"His drink problem is under control but he is working for a drink company.

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"The business would be a huge enterprise for him.

"He has got an appreciation of just how appalling this behaviour was, especially in that setting."

Sheriff David Pender fined Morgan, of Cove Road, £790, to be paid within 30 days.

After receiving his sentence and being granted his liberty, Morgan replied: "Thank you, my lord, I appreciate that."

The Telegraph has previously reported that Morgan's other convictions include a prison sentence of two years and four months in 2013 for hiding a seven-inch knife in his shoe in a 'sinister' bid to sneak it into Greenock Sheriff Court.

After the jail term was imposed, he shouted at the sheriff 'I hope you die in your sleep tonight'.

He was locked up for a further year for jumping onto a teenage girl’s car and kicking in the windscreen before walking off and threatening to stab the woman and her 20-year-old female passenger.

Morgan, who was described as 'completely out of control', was on four court bail orders at the time.