A GROOM-to-be who battered his future mother-in-law on the eve of his wedding had flown into a rage because he was unhappy with the TABLE PLAN for the reception.

Mathew Dow — who'd got engaged within two months of meeting the woman's daughter — repeatedly struck her and then bashed her head against a wall to injury.

Greenock Sheriff Court was told how the multiple domestic abuse offender had been drinking heavily the day before he was to be married.

His lawyer, Aidan Gallagher, said: "He had gone to the venue where the reception was to take place and was heavily intoxicated when he took issue with the seating arrangements."

The Telegraph told last month how Dow, 27, committed the assault within his home in Port Glasgow after returning from the venue.

He appeared dishevelled in court on the day he was due to be wed and was left reeling when told in the dock that his nuptials had been cancelled as a result of his attack.

Prosecutor John Penman said: "The complainer's daughter and the accused were in a relationship for two months and they were engaged.

"Mother and daughter had been in town making final arrangements for the wedding.

"The accused got home at 7pm and was said to be drunk.

"He was acting in an irrational and emotional manner."

Dow wept so uncontrollably in court that Sheriff Derek Hamilton adjourned the morning proceedings until after lunch in order for the case to be properly dealt with.

Fiscal depute Mr Penman resumed: "The daughter phoned her mother and she arrived at 9.20pm but regrettably the accused's behaviour continued.

"He got into her personal space, face-to-face almost, and pushed out at her, causing her to fall back and hit a wall in the living room.

"Mr Dow then struck out to her head and body, taking her by the head and striking her head off the living room wall.

"His fiancée phoned the police and both her and her mother locked themselves in the kitchen."

Dow — whom the court heard had called the Samaritans — later hurled homophobic abuse towards a male police officer at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.

He was deemed fit for police custody after being assessed by a doctor.

His victim was checked over by paramedics amid concern about redness to her chest and left cheek.

Sheriff Hamilton noted that Dow has 'quite a bad' criminal record which includes domestic offences and police assaults.

But solicitor Mr Gallagher pointed out that they go back to 2012, although he added: "I accept that there is a matter in 2014 of a domestic nature."

Mr Gallagher said: "There is a detailed background report and it is quite clear that he has a troubled background with tragedies that have fallen upon him and other circumstances.

"As a coping mechanism he has binge drank and he has been unable to properly address that.

"He is now engaged with Alcoholics Anonymous and has been abstinent from drink since this incident.

"His offences have been committed against a background of drink."

Dow — whom the court heard now has a new tenancy at Sinclair Street im Greenock — had his sentence further deferred until January 17 for a defence-instructed medical report.