A THUG who threatened to smash a man's head in during a terrifying phone call has been told he was 'lucky' to avoid a prison sentence.

Ross Morgan also made a chilling threat towards his victim by telling him he knew where he lived.

The 43-year-old pleaded guilty to sending messages to a man on June 25 that were ‘grossly offensive’ or of an ‘indecent, obscene or menacing character’.

The charge states that the offence took place at an address 'within the jurisdiction of Greenock Sheriff Court'.

Morgan returned to the same court for sentencing after submitting a plea of guilty on his first appearance in connection with the charge.

He was handed a community-based punishment - but was warned that if he fails to comply it's highly likely he'll be sent to prison.

The court heard that the complainer was within his home when he received an audio call from Morgan’s Facebook account at around 10pm.

During the phone call, Morgan was heard making threats towards the man – telling him he would "smash his head in".

He also said: “I know where you stay.”

A fiscal depute told the court: “The complainer terminated the call with the accused.

“The accused also sent messages as well a short time later, saying, ‘come meet me'."

But instead of taking Morgan up on his demand, the complainer dialled 999 to tell police what had happened.

Defence solicitor Derek Buchanan told Sheriff Thomas Ward that Morgan had pleaded guilty at the first opportunity as ‘he did not seek to delay the proceedings in any fashion’.

Mr Buchanan added: “He has absolutely no recollection of the conversation, let alone sending the messages.

“He accepts he is not in a position to challenge what was said.

“He had made these calls and sent these messages out of anger.

“He is very conscious that through his actions, he has put his liberty in jeopardy.”

Sheriff Ward ordered Morgan, of John Street in Dunoon, to complete a total of 100 hours of unpaid work within six months.

He was also placed on a curfew which will last for six months.

Sheriff Ward told Morgan: “You’re lucky you’re not going to jail today.

“Don’t do it [the unpaid work], and you won’t be getting a second chance if it’s me.

“I will revoke the order and you will go to jail.”