A STREET-DRINKING drug user blessed himself before entering the dock to face his fate over a foul-mouthed rant at police — then sighed with relief when he wasn’t jailed.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Chris Gallacher repeatedly hurled verbal abuse at two plain clothes officers who had approached him to carry out a search in Neil Street.

Despite a lengthy list of convictions, Sheriff Derek Livingston decided not to impose a custodial sentence — prompting Gallacher to publicly thank the lawman from across the well of the court.

Procurator fiscal depute Kevin Doherty had earlier told the court how 35-year-old Gallacher was seen to be ‘under the influence of something or other’ on 10 April.

Mr Doherty said: “The accused had residue around his mouth and became agitated on being approached by the police.

“Officers told him he was being detained for the purposes of a search and he began to shout and swear.

“He was given several opportunities to calm down and was eventually arrested for his trouble.” Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan said: “Mr Gallacher seems to like drinking in public places, drug-taking and littering.

“His last conviction was in 2013 for a non-analogous offence.” The court heard that Gallacher — who was on bail regarding another criminal matter at the time of his latest offence — has previously received five fiscal fines.

Sheriff Livingston decided not to fine Gallacher again in view of his ‘very modest income’ from the benefits system.

Instead he ordered him to carry out unpaid work in the community.

Gallacher — who has been given three months to complete 48 hours of work — was warned that the penalty was a direct alternative to prison.

The visibly relieved offender told the sheriff: “Thanks a lot, sorry for interrupting.

“I appreciate the chance to put things to bed and finally start moving on with life.”