A LOUT who who repeatedly walked in front of traffic on a busy main road in Greenock and hurled disgusting insults at police has been jailed.

Keith Leitch, 21 — who claims to have 'no recollection' of the incident — staggered out into carriageway at Grey Place after taking 'street valium', a sheriff was told.

He referred to a female officer in grossly offensive terms, too disgusting to publish, and was so hostile and intoxicated he couldn't be cautioned and charged.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife told Greenock Sheriff Court: "Police were contacted by staff at Aldi regarding a male who had behaved aggressively within the store but had left and was sitting on the fence outside, near the main road.

"A female single crew officer arrived at the locus and she contacted colleagues for assistance.

"Police approached the accused and he began to behave aggressively, swearing in saying that he had done nothing wrong."

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: "The accused made his way out towards the middle of the carriageway, into traffic.

"Police observed this and asked him to come off the road. The accused refused, forcing officers to go into the busy road.

"The accused was moved to safety but again walked into the carriageway and swore and referred to the police in derogatory terms.

"At this point the patience of the police ran out and he was arrested.

"He swore in demanding that handcuffs be removed from him and referred to a female officer in grossly derogatory terms.

"He was not cautioned and charged due to his level of intoxication and demeanour."

Leitch, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner and repeatedly walking in front of moving vehicles.

He committed the offence at around 5pm on July 24.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "Mr Leitch has no recollection.

"What he does recall is being offered the opportunity to take street valium, and took sufficient of it to inhibit his recollection of what took place.

"He appreciates in sobriety that the police are there as much for his wellbeing as anything else."

Sheriff Daniel Kelly told Leitch: "In light of your record, custody is the only appropriate disposal."

The sheriff sentenced him to 120 days.