A violent street robber repeatedly smashed a brick against another woman's head before snatching her money and jewellery

Carla Campbell, 25, is today beginning a prison sentence of more than three years following the shocking attack in Greenock's east end.

Her victim was left severely injured as a result of the serious assault and robbery, which took place on Ingleston Street and Cartsburn Street.

Campbell — who has a history of violence — had been out of prison for less than a month when she committed the vicious offence.

In sentencing, Sheriff Derek Hamilton told her: "I have looked at your record and there are significant aspects to it."

Campbell pleaded guilty on indictment to demanding money from the woman before repeatedly punching her on the head.

She then seized her hair and pulled her to the ground, restrained her and repeatedly struck her head and body with a brick.

Campbell — who robbed her victim of a quantity of cash and a piece of jewellery — committed the offence on May 17.

She has previous convictions for assault to severe injury with a glass and knife possession, Greenock Sheriff Court heard.

Sheriff Hamilton said: "Significantly, in July last year, there is a conviction for assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment with a bottle, for which you received and 18-month sentence."

The lawman noted that Campbell was released eight months early from prison on April 27 — just 19 days before her latest crime of violence.

She had also been charged with holding a knife to a man's throat within a flat on Wellington Street and robbing him of a mobile phone and Stanley knife on May 14.

However, her not guilty plea to this allegation was accepted by the Crown following negotiations with Campbell's defence lawyer.

Sheriff Hamilton returned her to prison for the remaining portion of her previous jail term and imposed a further 29 months for the street assault and robbery.

Her total sentence is one of 37 months.