A MAN spared jail over a daylight robbery and assault on a woman has failed to carry out a 250-hour unpaid worker order imposed as direct alternative — but been given more time to do it.

Shawn Gallacher — who has had 15 previous prison terms — was given six months to complete the community payback order last June for targeting and fleecing the female of £80.

Gallacher, 26 — who has carried out an assault to severe injury with a knife in the past — violently robbed her at Greenock's Custom House Way in May 2017.

He pulled her by the legs from a wall she was sitting on, then forced her arm up her back and took the cash.

An independent eyewitness told a jury trial: "Her arm was so far up her back that she released the money and this man took it from her and ran."

The 32-year-old victim's ex-boyfriend was with her but was powerless to help because he was on crutches, Greenock Sheriff Court was told.

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre gave Gallacher a chance to 'sort your life out' after being told by defence lawyer Mark Chambers that previous custodial sentences 'had little impact on his offending'.

Mr Chambers told a review hearing: "The report indicates that he is engaging well in general terms and is complying with the supervision requirement.

"But what needs to be addressed is the unpaid work.

"He is motivated to do it and wants to complete it.

"His appearance and demeanour today is that of a changed man."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre told Gallacher: "I am minded to continued the order but these hours will need to be done.

"There are 250 hours of work and this is not a minor offence.

"I expect you to come back having made good headway with the work."

Gallacher, of MacBeth Road, has six more months to do the order.

A further progress review has been set for May 1.