A MAN described by a sheriff as 'out of control' has been jailed after pulling out a knife in a Greenock takeaway.

Dean Footit took the lock-back blade from his pocket as a staff member rushed to his aid following a drug-induced seizure at East West Spice on Murdieston Street.

Footit, 26, has now been sentenced to eight months behind bars for the offence.

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre told him: "When a knife is with someone whose record shows he is clearly out of control that is deeply concerning."

The multiple offender had gone to the fast food outlet with a pal at 5.30pm on May 30 and bought from the menu before collapsing on the floor.

Prosecutor Emma Jeffrey told the sheriff court: "He appeared unsteady on his feet and appeared to take a seizure.

"The witness provided assistance to the accused as he made several attempts to get to his feet.

"The accused then pulled a lock-back Stanley knife which was seen by the witness, and another witness in the doorway of the shop.

"A male who was with the accused shouted for him to put the knife away and supported the accused back to his feet.

"Both left the locus and headed for Drumfrochar Road."

Police later found Footit, of Kelly Street, within his pal's flat at Broomhill Way and took him to hospital.

But his aggressive behaviour didn't stop as he began shouting and swearing within the A&E department and spat on the floor.

Such was Footit's conduct that officers had to apply a spit hood over his head.

His not guilty pleas to charges of spitting at the police and possession of cannabis were accepted.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: "He accepts he'd been in possession of the article and he should not have taken it to the shop.

"In part the explanation is that he was under the influence at the time and he has had a drugs issue for a number of years.

"Unfortunately the ingestion of illicit substances has had an adverse effect on his health."

Footit's previous offences include starting a blaze within a tenement close on South Street to the danger of people living there.

Sheriff McIntyre told him: "You have a long record for violence and public disorder and you've now had a knife in public.

"That will be of great concern to the people of Greenock.

"Knives in public give rise to people being placed at risk of being injured, and fatally so."