A PORT offender who has completed just five hours of an unpaid work punishment imposed on him seven months ago is facing the alternative of a prison term.

Robert McIntyre, 43, was ordered to carry out 50 hours of work for the benefit of the community last September after admitting a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.

Defence lawyer Edward Sweeney told Greenock Sheriff Court that McIntyre was ‘not being overt’ in his failure to complete the task.

The solicitor said: “He has difficulty with his memory.

“He claims to have been the victim of a serious assault in 2009 which resulted in him spending 19 days in hospital.” An unimpressed Sheriff Derek Hamilton snapped back: “I specifically underlined in the report on him that he was unable to do unpaid work.

“He then said in court that he would be able to do it, and said he’d do the order.

“Now he is saying that he can’t work and can’t work with the social work department.” The sheriff left Mr Sweeney and his client in no doubt about what could happen to him unless an appropriate medical opinion was put forward to explain the lack of progress with the order handed down by the court.

He said: “The alternative of custody is what is being looked at.” The sheriff added: “Is there any medical evidence regarding his memory issues?” Lawyer Mr Sweeney replied: “There is none produced.

“I can certainly write to his GP for a report.” Sheriff Hamilton has continued consideration of the case until 29 April, when McIntyre will return to court.