Thief who stole a charity box from a Greenock fast food restaurant has been jailed

Patrick McNelis, 41, helped himself to the donations and then threatened a KFC worker with violence.

He committed the offences on March 31 whilst on a community payback punishment for a sexual assault on a teenage girl at a bus stop.

McNelis also pleaded guilty to smashing his partner's glass front door after becoming separated from her during a shopping trip last August.

Prosecutor David Glancy said: "By the time she got home the front door window had been smashed and the accused was at home.

"There was some dialogue, after which the police were called.

"The accused told officers, 'How else was I meant to get in?'."

Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan said: "Notwithstanding the difficulties between them, they continue to enjoy a good relationship."

McNelis was on bail at the time charged with housebreaking with intent to steal.

The Telegraph told last November how he caused a 17-year-old student to suffer a panic attack at a bus stop on West Stewart Street.

Greenock Sheriff Court was told at the time that he made sexual remarks towards her which made her feel extremely uncomfortable.

He also repeatedly put his arms around her before kissing her to the side of her head.

McNelis, of Wellpark Buildings, was ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for a period of two years for the offence.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton sentenced McNelis to 100 days over the smashed window, plus a further four months for the charity box theft and aggressive behaviour.

The sheriff told: "That way everybody gets a break from you."

McNelis chucked in the dock at the remark and said: "Thank-you very much."

A review hearing regarding his community payback order for the sexual assault is due to take place on August 6.