A DRINK driver who ploughed his car into the rear of a taxi at a red light in Greenock could be jailed.

Shaun McInnes was found to be three-and-a-half times the legal booze limit more than two hours after the 2.50am crash, which left the cabbie injured.

Multiple offender McInnes, 22, was recently banned from driving for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work for a separate serious road traffic offence.

Now a sheriff has ordered a detailed background report on him before deciding on how to deal with the current case.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife said: "The accused was seen on CCTV driving a vehicle and travelling at speed.

"On Rue End Street there was a taxi stopped at a red light and the driver noted the accused's car approaching at speed from behind.

"The accused hit the rear of the taxi, pushing it over the stop line and onto the junction with Ratho Street."

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how the male cabbie was conveyed to Inverclyde Royal Hospital with a whiplash injury caused by the force of the impact.

A pal of McInnes named him to police who caught up with him at his girlfriend's house at around 5.15am on July 22 last year.

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife said: "It was noted at that point that he was smelling of alcohol and that he was unsteady on his feet.

"Police had to escort him bodily to a cell van.

"He provided a roadside breath test reading of 77mcg.

"The lowest reading provided later on the intoximeter machine at Greenock police office was 70mcg."

McInnes made no reply when he was cautioned and charged.

The taxi driver was prescribed painkillers for injuries to his shoulder and neck.

McInnes, whose address was not given in court, admitted to a dangerous driving offence last week.

He pleaded guilty at his latest court appearance to careless and drink-driving.

His not guilty pleas to a charge of failing to stop and give his details was accepted.

Defence lawyer David Tod said: "There are a number of extenuating circumstances.

"I think a background report may be an advantage."

Sheriff Derek Hamilton deferred sentence until February 6 and allowed bail.