Man who pulled out a knife in front of social workers had slept rough behind their place of work the night before

Patrick McNelis flew into a rage against the two female members of staff within the reception area of Greenock's Hector McNeil House — then fled before police arrived.

McNelis, 42 — who has around 30 previous convictions, including for two other blade crimes — is today beginning a prison sentence after being assessed as a high risk of reoffending.

He had downed a cocktail of booze and valium pills before wandering into the building in search of homeless accommodation following a break-up with his girlfriend.

Defence lawyer Gerry Keenan told Greenock Sheriff Court: "At the time of the incident Mr McNelis felt extremely vulnerable for a number of reasons.

"He has shown a propensity when exposed to traumatic and stressful events to turn to drink and controlled drugs.

"He slept rough directly behind Hector McNeil House and his plan was that when he woke up he would go there to try to solve his accommodation problem."

McNelis was on licence following his early release from prison for another serious matter and was subject to a two-year supervision order for a sex offence at the time of the incident.

He had caused a 17-year-old student to suffer a panic attack after targeting her at a bus stop, making sexual remarks towards her, repeatedly putting his arms around her and kissing her.

The court heard that he has expressed 'extreme remorse' for his knife offence but has no memory of it due to the 'copious amounts' of alcohol and drugs he had taken.

Solicitor Mr Keenan said: "He bears no ill will and simply doesn't know where this item [the knife] came from.

"He removed it and when he realised he had it he handed it over."

The social workers were said to have been 'fearful' of McNelis and 'unsure about his mental state' during the incident on February 21.

He has been locked up on remand since then and must now serve a further 338 days behind bars.

Mr Keenan said: "He has had time to reflect on his behaviour and because of the length of time he has been in custody he has been rehabilitated.

"To use his own word he says he feels brilliant and has a clear head."

In sentencing McNelis, Sheriff Joseph Hughes said: "The report says you are a high risk of reoffending.

"This offence was committed within the reception area of a public building.

"Shortly after you handed over the knife you became agitated and aggressive and you left before the police arrived.

"In the circumstances I take the view that there is no alternative to the imposition of a custodial sentence."