A THIEF swiped a 78-year-old man's wallet as the pensioner used an ATM machine in the centre of Greenock.

Kevin Nicholas, 44, committed the offence on Cathcart Street after the senior citizen had placed the wallet beside the cash dispenser.

He made off with the victim's bank cards and £20 of money on June 28.

Nicholas — who is currently remanded in custody — pleaded guilty at the sheriff court.

His not guilty plea to a second indictment charge, of assaulting another man by repeatedly attempting to punch him, struggling violently and biting him to injury, was not accepted by the Crown.

He is now set to stand trial before a jury on this matter next March.