A GREENOCK jail inmate who sank his teeth into a prison officer and drew blood has gone unpunished for the attack.

Marc Boyle — who is due for release from his current sentence next May — has had no additional time added to it.

Serial housebreaker Boyle, 25, attempted to headbutt the officer before biting down on one of his fingers.

He flew into a rage within his cell after being told that he was to be searched.

Prosecutor Pamela Brady told the town's sheriff court: "The accused was being moved within the prison and became aggressive towards a prison officer and attempted to headbutt him.

"The accused then bit the officer on his right pinkie finger.

"He was thereafter restrained, however, the officer required to go to hospital.

"He had a superficial cut and was given a course of antibiotics as a precaution."

Boyle pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner, shouting, swearing and struggling with officers.

He also admitted to repeatedly trying to headbutt one of the officers before biting him to injury.

His lawyer said: "There had been an earlier disturbance which he felt he was not responsible for.

"He had been subjected to an assault the year previously, during which he suffered a fractured skull and a broken eye socket.

"He has now been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder."

The solicitor added: "His record is significant, but is mainly for housebreaking.

"He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and is anxious to secure his current liberation date, however, he realises the serious nature of the offence."

Sheriff Linda Smith imposed a six month prison sentence, allowing it to be absorbed within Boyle's current jail term.