A MAN whose senseless headbutt assault in a Greenock pub was caught on camera has been hammered with a huge fine of £1,500.

James Harvey, 54, must pay the penalty and also complete 135 hours of unpaid work.

He has been warned he will go to prison if he does not stump up and finish the community punishment.

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre told him: "It is important that there is a proper response from the court when people commit crimes such as you did."

Harvey was enjoying a heavy drinking session in the Thistle Bar on Lynedoch Street when he committed the offence on October 14 last year, which his lawyer acknowledged was 'inexcusable'

Defence lawyer Bob Mitchell said: "It is a serious matter and what he did was unacceptable.

"His previous convictions plainly don't do him any credit."

Mr Mitchell said: "There is nothing I can say which would excuse his conduct.

"He had been drinking heavily that day and did something irrational.

"He does regret what he has done and has dramatically curtailed his alcohol intake since."

The solicitor asked for painter Harvey, of Lansbury Street, to be spared prison because of the importance of his income to his family.

He said: "He lives at the moment with his wife, two daughters and one granddaughter.

"His last conviction, for a police assault, was 11 years ago and he has no cases outstanding."

Sheriff McIntyre imposed the fine and community payback order as a direct alternative to custody.

He told Harvey: "I saw the video of this incident, you were in a pub where people were having a nice time as people are entitled to do.

"You, for no good reason, approached this man and headbutted him to injury."