A DRUG addled teen who could barely stand up inside Greenock’s sheriff court building has been hammered with a 60-day jail term.

Robert Joyce was told that a ‘clear message’ had to be sent out to those who create a ‘frightening gauntlet’ for the public.

The 19-year-old — heavily under the influence of valium — repeatedly refused to leave the entrance foyer area and committed a breach of the peace.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady told Sheriff Derek Hamilton: “A number of members of the public were present and they had to walk around the accused.

“He appeared to be under the influence of drugs and had to be physically supported.

“Police officers were alerted but court staff had already approached him.

“There was concern at the condition he was in.” The court heard that Joyce had turned up regarding an indictment case for which he has been cited as a Crown witness — but the trial is yet to take place.

He was twice escorted out of the building but made his way back inside and refused to leave before finally being arrested.

Fiscal depute Mrs Brady said: “He came back in and was slurring his words.

“He was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital for an examination before being returned to police custody.” Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan said that Joyce was originally a co-accused on the indictment matter but is now due to give evidence against a close relative.

Mr Keenan added: “He has been worried about giving evidence. It is something that has engendered a great deal of anxiety for young Mr Joyce. He ingested valium but he was not abusive towards anyone, however, he was incapable of looking after himself.” The solicitor acknowledged: “The fact that this happened within the court precinct is an aggravating feature.

“It happened in the foyer and did not disrupt the administration of justice within the court.” Sheriff Hamilton told Joyce, of Port Glasgow’s Brookfield Road: “Where this event took place is significant.

“If you had been shouting or swearing this would have been much more serious — but it is serious enough.

“People don’t like having to run a gauntlet of accused people or witnesses acting in a frightening way.

“The only way to deal with this matter is by way of a custodial sentence.” The sheriff added: “The clear message has to be passed on that any anti-social behaviour within the court building will be dealt with severely.”