A CHRONIC alcoholic who downs a litre of vodka a DAY has been spared punishment for hurling foul-mouthed abuse in the Oak Mall.

John Baird, 53, was admonished following a period of good behaviour — but warned by a sheriff that he is dicing with death.

The Telegraph told last December how Baird was refused help from alcohol counsellors due to the shocking level of his booze intake.

He was found sleeping on a bench in the shopping centre at two o’clock in the afternoon on 7 February last year.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady said: “A security guard attempted to wake him and he became aggressive. He spoke in derogatory terms, calling the guard a name and saying, ‘I’m going to get you — you’re getting it.

“The accused was restrained and the police contacted. Mr Baird was clearly under the influence of alcohol.” Baird, of Prospecthill Court in Greenock, was also caught drinking strong wine in the town’s West Stewart Street a month earlier.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said at a previous hearing: The report on him does not make for good reading.

“The level of units of alcohol he consumes every week must be having a detrimental effect on his general health. A litre of vodka a day must be having some effect on him.” Sheriff Ian Fleming, top right, admonished Baird.

He told him: “If you continue to drink at the level which has been suggested in the background report you may not be with us for much longer.”