A THUG targeted a frail 80-year-old woman in a shocking broad daylight attack in Port Glasgow and robbed her as she screamed in vain for help.

Greenock man George Dorrian 'jumped on' the elderly pensioner before dragging her to the ground on Cromdale Road and fleeing with her handbag and purse.

Dorrian, 42, is today facing a prison sentence after pleading guilty on indictment to the violent robbery — and also to stealing money from his own mother in a separate incident.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how he made a beeline for his OAP victim with his face partially covered by a Covid mask at around midday on August 11 2020.

Prosecutor Raeesa Ahmed said: "Without warning, the accused jumped on her in an effort to grab her bag.

"A struggle ensued and the complainer screamed for help and assistance, however, no-one came to her aid.

"The accused eventually overpowered her before she was dragged to the ground and accused ran off.

"The complainer was distressed and shocked."

The court was told that two witness who had come upon the robbery alerted police and officers later found the woman's belongings in a cellar area on Maybole Road — minus £90 in cash.

Dorrian — who lived with his 66-year-old mother on Montrose Avenue at the time — was arrested by police at 2.30pm on the day of the robbery.

His victim had earlier gone to visit a friend but had diverted from her normal route home to go to a convenience store when Dorrian saw her.

He had days earlier stolen his mum's bank card and used it at an ATM on Dubbs Road to steal £270 from her.

Fiscal depute Ms Ahmed said that the crime came to light after the woman had noticed her account balance to be 'substantially lower than expected'.

She added: "The bank confirmed that there had been a transaction for £270 at the ATM at a time when the accused's mother was definitely at home.

"CCTV footage linked the accused to this offence."

Dorrian, who had been on bail, appeared in the dock of Greenock Sheriff Court from custody after a warrant for his arrest was issued when he failed to appear on the matters the previous day.

His lawyer, Paul Keenan, said: "He has never been convicted before on indictment offences.

"I have been asked to express to the court his serious contrition for his actions — he is truly remorseful and ashamed."

Mr Keenan added: "His last conviction was in 2016, some six years ago now."

The court was told that Dorrian — who had been residing at the Inverclyde Centre — was given his own tenancy at an address on Regent Street in Greenock in recent weeks.

Sheriff Seith Ireland allowed Dorrian bail, telling him it was on a 'without prejudice basis'.

The sheriff told him: "This is a very serious matter, assaulting and robbing an 80-year-old lady.

"Custody is likely but there are alternatives to custody and I'm prepared to explore those."

Sentence on Dorrian has been deferred until July 11 for a background report and electronic tagging assessment to be prepared.