A cleaner has been warned he could be jailed over the 'serious breach of trust'.

Michael Ryan was employed by a River Clyde Homes contractor to clear out houses when tenants had moved on.

During the course of his work at one address he discovered the item along with a private letter.

The 28-year-old — who caused 'extreme distress' to the victim — was sacked after the offence came to light and has not worked since, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife said: "The complainer in this case had been a resident at the property on Wren Road.

"During the course of his work, the accused located a sex toy and a letter in the name of the complainer.

"He placed both of them together and took a Snapchat image of both items.

"The image was shared on the social media platform and also placed on the accused's 'story'."

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: "Numerous people viewed the image and, on the same day, the complainer was contacted by a third party who provided her with the image.

"She contacted the police to report the incident and was extremely distressed.

"The accused was traced and fully admitted to the police that he had been 'silly'."

Ryan, of Westray Avenue in Port Glasgow, committed the threatening or abusive behaviour offence on November 7 last year.

His lawyer, Aidan Gallagher, told the court that his client had been 'stupid'.

Mr Gallagher said: "This is another example of the perils of social media and a very crass attempt at humour.

"For what it's worth, Mr Ryan says the image was posted for an hour or so.

"He had been working for five months prior to the incident.

"His employment was terminated as a result and he has not worked since.

"He lives with his partner and there are four young children in the household, so there has been a financial impact on them from his stupidity."

Sheriff Daniel Kelly told Ryan: "All sentencing options are open. This was a serious breach of trust."

Sentence has been deferred until October 17 for a background report.