A LOUT who stormed into his ex-girlfriend's Greenock home and trashed it has been treated 'gently' by a sheriff.

Daniel Breakell woke the woman early in the morning by kicking the front door before hurling insults at her and vandalising the property.

Breakell, 20 — who was on bail on allegations of domestic assault and attempting to pervert justice — had been living in a tent at the time of the incident in July.

The out-of-control yob demanded to know why his ex had reported him to the police, before kicking a hole in a wall, taking a door off its hinges and smashing mirrors.

But he has been spared jail over the incident after lawman Peter Anderson told him that he could 'understand how difficult' life was for Breakell when he caused the disturbance.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife told Greenock Sheriff Court: "At 6.40am the complainer was asleep at home and she heard a loud bang at the front door as if it was being kicked.

"She opened the door to see the accused, who walked passed her into the house.

"He was shouting and swearing and insulting the complainer, calling her derogatory names.

"He asked her why she'd got him arrested.

"The woman was terrified.

"The accused kicked a hole in the living room wall and he punched a cupboard door.

"A friend of the complainer tried to calm him down, but he continued to shout abuse and threw items around."

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: "He followed her into a bedroom and kicked the door off its hinges.

"He grabbed her left shoulder when she sat on the bed and pushed her back."

The court heard that the woman was 'in a state of distress'.

Breakell, who committed the offences at a flat on Maple Road, later denied to police that he'd damaged any household items or assaulted his ex.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "He was under the influence at the time.

"He had been staying in a tent for three weeks, and at various friends' houses.

"He accepts that his behaviour was completely unacceptable."

Mr Gallagher told the court: "His mother has confirmed to me that he is welcome to live with her in Blackpool."

Sheriff Anderson told Breakell: "I can understand that life was difficult for you, but what you did was appalling and very frightening for others.

"However, you're a first offender and are now going to live in another part of Britain.

"If you do anything like this again the court is unlikely to be so gentle."

Breakell was placed under supervision for 12 months and ordered to complete 100 hours of unpaid work.

The sheriff said: "Go to Blackpool, say thank-you to your mother and calm down, Mr Breakell."