A GREENOCK lout shouted vile homophobic abuse through the letterbox of a ‘terrified’ victim — then told his girlfriend to fetch a baseball bat and knife, the town’s sheriff court has heard.

Foul-mouthed Robert Frizzell repeatedly banged on the door of a flat in the town’s Ann Street as a simmering neighbour dispute spiralled out of control.

His girlfriend Lynsey O’Neill joined in with the threatening and abusive behaviour which only ended after their victim made an emergency 999 call to police.

The pair — who had mantained their innocence for months — pled guilty on the day of their trial as the man they tormented waited to give evidence against them.

Procurator fiscal depute Kevin Doherty told the court how there had been a ‘history of difficulties’ between the couple and their victim.

The man had been ‘accosted’ by O’Neill for reporting Frizzell to the authorities for alleged anti-social behaviour and she followed him home.

Just as he was entering his mother’s flat along with his brother, Frizzell ran out to confront him.

Fiscal depute Mr Doherty said: “The man and his brother listened inside while both accused banged on the door and rattled the letter box.

“The complainer says he heard Frizzell to say to O’Neill, ‘Away inside and get a baseball bat and a knife’.

“The two of them uttered homophobic remarks in beckoning the man outside.

“Comments such as, ‘My family’s bigger than yours’, were uttered.

“Frizzell said, ‘Come outside and I’ll take you at a square-go in the street’.

“The complainer said that he was terrified at their behaviour.” Mr Doherty added: “He was afraid that they would force entry and dialled 999.

“Frizzell and O’Neill continued to shout and swear.

“The police arrived and arrested them.

“They made no comment when cautioned and charged.” Sheriff Derek Hamilton deferred sentence on the pair until 10 September for reports.

The sheriff remarked: “Mr Frizzell in particular has an appalling record.”