A GREENOCK man has been charged with attacking his female next door neighbour whilst on a bail order to stay away from her.

Stephen Houston is accused of seizing and dragging the woman by her hair during an alleged disturbance at her home on Millar Street.

Prosecutors say Houston, 26, had moments earlier thrown a metal lamp and a glass bottle at the woman before getting in to a physical struggle with her.

He is said to have tried to grab her mobile phone and is further charged with 'wilfully or recklessly' smashing the device.

Houston is also charged with behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, shouting, swearing and making abusive comments.

The dad-of-two appeared from custody at the sheriff court to deny the allegations through lawyer Ellen Macdonald.

It emerged during the hearing that Houston was allowed bail in March on another matter on condition that he did not approach or contact his neighbour in any way.

Prosecutor Michael Cunningham opposed bail on the fresh matters on grounds of the nature of the alleged offences and the existing bail order.

The fiscal depute said: "It is submitted that the accused is not a suitable candidate for bail in the circumstances."

Solicitor Ms Macdonald said: "He is 26 years of age, has a long-term partner, two children and is a self-employed plasterer with one employee.

"The complainer in this case is his neighbour and someone who is well known to the court.

"Mr Houston has made a number of complaints to the police about her.

Sheriff Linda Smith allowed Houston bail to an alternative address in the town on the proviso that he does not enter Millar Street.

The case is due to call again on July 26, ahead of a trial scheduled for August 18.