A KARAOKE nuisance who bellowed at people through a makeshift 'microphone' he'd fashioned from a rolled-up poster was arrested after swearing at a barman who removed his drink.

Andrew Pickett, 37, was served a pint at the Custom House Hotel after drinking elsewhere and proceeded to rile guests after belting out a number in the venue's lounge bar area.

The dad-of-one pleaded guilty at Greenock Sheriff Court to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm, shouting, swearing and acting aggressively.

Prosecutor Joanne Gilmour said: "At 11pm the barman observed the accused enter the premises and deemed him fit to be served.

"Thereafter he sang a song at the karaoke, and it was then noticed that his behaviour deteriorated.

"He picked up a poster and rolled it into a microphone and shouted at other guests.

"Due to the reaction of members of the public he was asked to leave."

Fiscal depute Ms Gilmour added: "The accused became aggressive and swore at the barman and called him a 'dafty', then stated, 'Mon outside'.

"Police were called and the accused was detained.

"He was cautioned and charged and made no reply."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre noted that Pickett, of Carwood Street, has a previous conviction for assault to injury and permanent disfigurement.

The lawman said: "The last conviction is worrying.

"It worries me that someone has not learned from their last conviction."

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "He'd been drinking earlier and went in late to the bar and purchased a pint.

"He was advised that his drink was being removed and that he was being asked to leave.

"Mr Pickett found this strange because he'd only purchased the drink around five or ten minutes earlier.

"Ironically, the venue is beside the police station.

"He has decided not to go back to the premises."

Sheriff McIntyre deferred sentence until October 10 for a background report.