Man punched his 75-year-old father after erupting in an alcohol-fuelled fury at their Gourock home

Anthony Scott, 35, landed the blow to the side of the elderly pensioner's head after spitting at him.

Scott's mother, 74, alerted police to the incident at the house on Adelaide Street and officers found him lying in the hallway.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how Scott also shouted, swore and made threats of violence during an earlier physical struggle with his brother and OAP dad.

Prosecutor David Glancy said: "The accused was at home and he became involved in an argument with his brother.

"Things deteriorated and there was a struggle with his father and brother.

"Both were attempting to restrain him.

"The accused spat at his father and threw a punch.

"Because of his level of intoxication he was not cautioned and charged."

Scott, now of no fixed abode, committed the offences shortly after 7pm on April 20.

He also caused a previous disturbance at the house, the court was told.

Defence lawyer Ellen Macdonald said that her client 'self-medicated' on booze following a 'mix-up' with his tablets for mental health issues.

Ms Macdonald added: "Mr Scott had so much alcohol his recollection is sketchy.

"He has been in custody for a number of weeks and has been sober and had time to reflect on his conduct."

Sheriff Derek Hamilton told Scott: "Your father and brother put their trust in you and you abused it by committing a further offence.

"I will take it out of their hands so they don't have to feel that they need to keep giving you chances."

Scott must complete 150 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, and he has also been placed on a supervision programme for 18 months with an alcohol treatment requirement.

Sentence on the other disturbance has been deferred for him to be of good behaviour.

A review hearing has been set for June 19.