A THUG with 'at least' six convictions for assault repeatedly whacked his partner over the head with a methadone bottle as he attacked her in their flat.

James McLachlan, 40, flew into what was described as a 'valium rage' against the woman because he didn't have any of the illicit pills to take, Greenock Sheriff Court heard.

Police arrived at the Port Glasgow property to find it in a state of disarray, with broken glass strewn across the floor, on the morning of February 16.

The victim, 39 — who is 'very fearful' of McLachlan — said: "He grabbed my hair and started kicking into my back and my bottom.

"He hit me a couple of times over the head with a glass methadone bottle.

"I sat up and he punched me to the left and right side of my face."

Giving her evidence from behind screens, the woman added: "I had bruises on my back and bottom and my head was swollen."

Under cross-examination from defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher, she said: "It was because he had no valium — it was a valium rage."

McLachlan, who was charged with striking the woman on the head with his hand to injury, denied assaulting her.

He said she had become upset because she thought he was ending the relationship and her face was 'a bit puffy' from crying.

McLachlan told the court: "We were niggling at each other, I put my coat on because I was going to leave the house and I think she thought it was over."

A female police officer testified earlier: "The flat was in a bit of a mess, with things everywhere and there was glass all over the floor.

"The complainer was really upset, crying and she couldn't really catch her breath to speak at first.

"There was slight bruising and swelling to her cheek."

The officer added: "She said that she didn't feel safe if Mr McLachlan were to be released and she required to be taken to her sister's house."

Solicitor Mr Gallagher argued in summing up: "The only injury that is said to exist is the slight mark but the complainer's evidence goes well beyond the libel."

Sheriff Andrew McIntyre found McLachlan guilty as charged, telling him: "I accept the evidence of the complainer."

Prosecutor Mark Nicol said: "The complainer has contacted my office and she was very much fearful of the accused being released."

Sheriff McIntyre deferred sentence until April 20 for a background report and further remanded McLachlan in custody.

The sheriff said: "This is at least your sixth conviction for assault."