A PUB assault led a formerly volatile couple to resume a platonic relationship — and they're now 'getting on like a house on fire', Greenock Sheriff Court has heard.

Joanne Moorhouse whacked partner-of-four-years Martin Farmer during their latest fall-out as they sat drinking together in the town's James Watt bar.

But the flashpoint last November has resulted in a positive outcome with both of them now agreeing to be friends, the court was told.

Defence lawyer Derek Buchanan said: "They realised that an intimate relationship was not a good thing for either of them."

The court heard how Miss Moorhouse, 51, and Mr Farmer, 52, had returned to Greenock from a trip to Glasgow and decided to go for a drink.

Prosecutor John Penman said: "Matters started off by way of an argument.

"The accused was sitting across from the complainer and she punched him on the face.

"The complainer attended at the bar and asked for the police to be contacted.

"When she was cautioned and charged, the accused replied, 'I only backhanded him'."

Solicitor Mr Buchan said: "The complainer is in court today and he is supportive of her.

"It appears that the position prior to the relationship was that they were good friends.

"They have resumed a platonic friendship and, in the words of Miss Moorhouse, they are getting on like a house on fire.

"There have been other incidents where she has been the complainer.

"It was a turbulent relationship in the past."

Sheriff Joseph Hughes placed Miss Moorhouse, of Quarrier Street, under a year's supervision and ordered her to complete 135 hours of unpaid work within nine months.