A THUG told his victims 'change your story' within the town's COURTHOUSE minutes before his trial in a brazen bid to defeat justice.

Kevin Campbell, 39, demanded that two men whom he'd attacked provide false evidence in a case where he was eventually convicted and sent to prison.

Campbell was caught on CCTV telling the witnesses within the main foyer area of Greenock Sheriff Court to lie so that he could walk free.

But the men refused to back down and immediately informed police about what had happened before going on to testify against him.

Prosecutor Saud Ul Hassan told the court: "The accused approached both witnesses and made a comment stating, 'You better change your story'.

"One of the witnesses stated to the other, 'Don't let him intimidate you'.

"Police attended and the accused was arrested and placed within the rear of a marked police vehicle."

The court heard that Campbell, of Trafalgar Street, Greenock, was also found to be in possession of the illegal Valium substitute etizolam on the day of the offence last November.

He pleaded guilty to behaving in an aggressive manner towards the witnesses, demanding they provide false evidence and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

An allegation that he had made threats of violence towards the men was dropped following negotiation between defence lawyer Charles Drummond and the Crown.

Solicitor Mr Drummond told how Campbell was convicted on the assault matter and sentenced to four months imprisonment on February 27.

Campbell was remanded in custody regarding his attempt to defeat justice and the drug charge on November 14 last year.

Solicitor Mr Drummond said: "He has a lengthy record but perhaps not the worst in the world.

"Many of his convictions are drug related."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre said: "I am satisfied that the appropriate sentence here is one of imprisonment."

The sheriff told Campbell: "This is a very serious charge and it is important that people, in a court building of all places, feel safe and protected.

"The fact that you were guilty of assault must have been very intimidating for these witnesses."

The sheriff imposed a 12-month prison term but, because offenders usually serve half of their headline sentence, it is likely that Campbell will be released next month due to the time he's already spent on remand.