A GREENOCK man who inflicted a prolonged attack on a woman with learning difficulties which left her covered in bruises has been ordered to pay the victim £400 in compensation.

William Watson, 32 — who had been in a five-year relationship with the female — forced her to endure an ordeal lasting up to 30 minutes after 'losing the rag' during an argument.

Photographs previously placed before Greenock Sheriff showed extensive bruising covering large parts of the woman's body and prosecutor John Penman described the assault as 'protracted'.

Watson's lawyer, Aidan Gallagher, told a sentencing hearing: "He expresses remorse for his behaviour and conduct."

As well as the compensation payment, Watson must also complete 240 hours of unpaid work.

He has also been made subject to a non-harassment order barring him from approaching or contacting the victim for three years.

The court heard that Watson has a mild to moderate learning disability which can result in 'poor impulsive control and hyperactivity'.

But solicitor Mr Gallagher said that his client 'does know right from wrong'.

Watson, a first offender, carried out the attack within a flat on Maple Road some time between July 26 and August 19 in 2019.

Fiscal depute Mr Penman said it was estimated that the incident lasted between 20 and 30 minutes.

He told the court: "The accused has lost the rag.

"There's no other way of putting it, and he has assaulted the complainer in the manner libelled.

"She had both upper and lower body bruising."

Sheriff Joseph Hughes told Watson, of Dempster Street: "This was a very nasty assault, and for someone who has not got a [criminal] record it is also very concerning indeed."