A BAIL-breaching Greenock man targeted a relative to demand money and make violent threats - then instructed police to 'counter charge' his victim.

Jonathan McGill - who had the woman 'screaming' for help - has been fined hundreds of pounds for the offence and a number of others.

After being cautioned and charged at Greenock police office, McGill, 28, told officers: “I want to counter charge as we were both shouting at one another.”

He appeared at Greenock Sheriff Court for sentencing, having previously offered guilty pleas in relation to a number of cases.

The court heard that McGill shouted, swore and uttered threats of violence towards a relative at a property on Branchton Road on March 31.

The woman was within the house with McGill, who was under the influence, at around 4pm when he started demanding money.

He began to shout and swear at her, with the witness calling his partner for assistance.

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A procurator fiscal depute told the court: “The accused could be heard shouting at the witness

“She was screaming, stating she needed help.”

Police were contacted and attended the property, where they traced both the accused and the witness.

McGill also admitted to attending an address on Cambridge Road in Larkfield last Christmas Eve, despite being subject to a bail condition not to enter the street.

Two witnesses were within the property when they heard ‘banging and shouting’ at around 11.30am, and a voice they recognised as being McGill’s.

He requested to be let in, with one witness eventually answering the door.

McGill made his way into the property and stated he was not leaving without seeing the other witness.

Police were thereafter contacted, with McGill’s behaviour continuing for ‘a few minutes’.

(Image: Newsquest)

The fiscal depute added: “The accused thereafter ran away from the locus prior to police arrival.

“Police witnesses then traced the accused at around 10pm on the same day.”

McGill, of Branchton Road, offered a further guilty plea to a charge concerning an incident on May 1 last year, in which he breached a separate bail order preventing him from approaching or contacting his former partner or entering Broomhill Street.

Defence solicitor Ellen MacDonald noted that her client had tendered his pleas at the earliest possible opportunity.

Sheriff James Varney fined McGill a total of £450, which was discounted from £500 for the timing of his plea.

The sheriff also ordered him to adhere to a curfew for a period of 12 weeks, during which time he will wear an electronic tag.