A MAN convicted of having a 'weapon' gas cannister in a Greenock street has failed to complete a three-month unpaid work punishment handed down to him last September.

Christopher Jardine, 36, was ordered to complete a 100-hour community payback order but claims he's not physically fit for it.

He had been caught discarding the illegal pepper spray device as he and a pal were being stopped by police for a drugs search.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady said: "The accused was seen to throw an object onto the grass verge.

"There was concern that it may have been an item in contravention of the Firearms Act.

"The cannister was in working order, and therefore a prohibited weapon."

Fiscal depute Mrs Brady added: "Police were informed that the cannister had been bought at a shop near Central Station in Glasgow."

Jardine, of Branchton Road, and his friend were detained by police on Lynedoch Street at around 9.30pm on July 8.

He pleaded guilty to being in possession of a noxious liquid gas cannister containing capsaicin — which is an active component of chilli peppers.

The irritant produces a sensation of burning when sprayed on human tissue, and also produces pain and breathing difficulty.

Lawyer Gerry Keenan said: "Mr Jardine tells me that he was in the company of the other person who had given the cannister to him.

"Before he had a chance to consider what it was he says the police were upon him and he panicked."

Sheriff Daniel Kelly continued consideration of the unfinished work order until May 1 for a medical report to be submitted by Jardine's GP.