A THUG who left a woman severely injured after a drink-fuelled street attack in Greenock must stay within his home every night for six months — or be jailed.
James Wetherell punched his victim so hard that she fell to the ground and broke her wrist, then continued to land repeated blows to her head after she’d got up.
The 37-year-old woman beater — who carried out the violent attack at Trafalgar Street — must also complete 150 hours of unpaid work.
Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher told Greenock Sheriff Court: “Drink had been taken by all parties and matters descended.
“Mr Wetherell has only one analogous conviction, from 2006, for which he received a financial penalty.
“There has been no further difficulty between him and the complainer.”
Mr Gallagher added: “He had kept himself out of any bother for more than a decade.”
Wetherell was found guilty at trial by Sheriff Derek Hamilton of assaulting the woman to her severe injury.
He committed the offence on March 27.
Solicitor Mr Gallagher said: “He gave evidence at trial and he accepts that your Lordship made a finding.” 
Sheriff Hamilton said: “He punched this girl who fell back and broke her wrist and when she got up he punched her again, more than once, to the face.” 
The sheriff told Wetherell: “I do have in mind a custodial sentence here, given the nature of the injury and the fact that you went back for more.
“I will give you one opportunity to avoid custody, with the imposition of unpaid work and a restriction of liberty order.”
Wetherell, of Trafalgar Street, was placed on an electronic tag to remain within his flat between 7pm and 7am each day.
He must complete his unpaid work hours within 12 months.
Sheriff Hamilton warned him: “If this order is breached it is almost inevitable that you will receive a lengthy custodial sentence.”