A MAN who'd been banished from his family home threatened to knife his sister after sleeping in a garden shed.

Mark Buchan was allowed back in to the house by his father for a shower and clean clothes.

But a dispute broke out and he lost his temper.

Prosecutor Lindy Scaife told Greenock Sheriff Court: "A general argument ensued and his sister contacted police, wishing him to be removed from the house.

"Police attended and spoke to him and he began shouting and swearing.

"The accused said that he would 'stick the nut' on his father and 'stab' his sister to get the jail."

Fiscal depute Ms Scaife added: "He continued in that vein and was warned on three occasions before being arrested."

The court heard how Buchan has numerous convictions for aggressive behaviour towards his family spanning a number of years.

He pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner and making threats of violence towards his father and sister.

Buchan committed the offence on December 28 last year.

His lawyer, Edward Sweeney, said: "Mr Buchan has had his own tenancy since September last year, however, he didn't have access to his house on this occasion because his keys were with a third party.

"His father indicated at 9pm the previous evening that he should leave as he was going to bed.

"Ultimately he decided to occupy the shed for the evening because he had nowhere else to go."

Mr Sweeney added: "There are a number of analogous convictions over the years for behaviour of this nature.

"He does appear to have a volatile relationship with his family members in general.

"He also recognises that he has difficulty in controlling his temper."

Sheriff Craig Harris deferred sentence on Buchan, of Nile Street, Greenock, for good behaviour until July 24 and continued a bail order barring him from approaching his father and sister, or attempting to do so, in any way.