A KNIFEMAN intoxicated on pills and drink brandished a seven-inch kitchen blade at a kissing couple in a Greenock street.

Patrick Lyon — who also has convictions for bomb hoaxes — tapped the knife on the windscreen of a car as the couple sat inside saying their goodbyes.

Lyon, 38, mixed mental health medication with booze before approaching the young man and woman on Lynedoch Street on September 22.

Procurator fiscal Laura Mundell told the town's sheriff court: "They saw the accused standing brandishing a large black-handled kitchen knife of seven inches in length.

"The accused pointed the knife in a threatening manner and swore as he shouted for the couple to go away, whilst waving the knife in the air.

"The couple became frightened and concerned for their safety.

"The woman recognised the accused as one of her neighbours and he walked away, returning to a building nearby.

"She waited until the accused was out of sight and returned to her home quickly."

Prosecutor Mrs Mundell added: "Police found the accused in a nearby pub at around 7pm.

"When he was cautioned and charged he replied, 'I didn't hurt anyone'."

Lyon, of Wellpark Buildings, Regent Street, had been locked up for shouting 'You're dead!' at his 65-year-old mother before kicking her — after she'd given in to his demands for money.

He has also received jail terms for sparking bomb scares at polling stations during a by-election and the Scottish independence referendum.

His lawyer, Aidan Gallagher, told the court: "He was drunk which affected his view.

"He thought the couple's actions were inappropriate, but they were merely kissing and saying their goodbyes.

"He went back to his house, returned the item, then went to a nearby pub."

Mr Gallagher added: "He has had mental health problems for a considerable number of years.

"He is in receipt of medication to deal with his difficulties, but it should not be mixed with alcohol."

Sheriff Eric Brown remarked: "I'm concerned about the knife, his illness and the background as set out in his record.

"Who could say what might have happened.

"This would have been a frightening incident for those involved."

The sheriff has deferred sentence until October 24 for a full background report and remanded Lyon in custody.