A LARKFIELD woman violently threw her pet chihuahua against a wall and then assaulted a police constable before later telling the officer: "It's your job to get headbutted."

Christine McGhee caused the dog to flee in fear after the attack at her York Road home and she also threatened to 'murder' a PC during an aggressive outburst.

The 51-year-old first offender, convicted of causing the tiny canine unnecessary suffering, had the pet removed from her care following the incident.

However, a court hearing was told that the dog has since returned to her and there have been 'no further issues'.

Prosecutor Maria Murdoch told Greenock Sheriff Court: "Around 7.30pm [on August 5] police were contacted in regards to a noise complaint and officers attended the locus.

"The accused was standing behind the door refusing to answer.

"She was instructed to open the door for a conversation and she was dismissive and hostile after answering.

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"Police were concerned given the erratic behaviours displayed by the accused.

"They tried to establish if she was in need of any assistance."

The fiscal depute said McGhee had a small dog at the property which 'ran down the stairs and cowered between the officers' legs'.

Ms Murdoch said: "The accused then snatched it away using two hands and threw it against a wall at chest height, causing it to fall and scatter for cover.

"She was cautioned and charged and she then turned her attention to one of the police officers, headbutting her and striking her on the nose.

"She was eventually taken to the ground by the officers and a cell van was requested."

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McGhee then berated the same female PC with abuse, stating that she would murder her, and after standing up to leave the address she shouted further expletives at another officer.

She was taken to Greenock police office and whilst at the charge bar she continued to direct abuse at police, stating: "It's your job to get headbutted."

Defence lawyer Derek Buchanan said McGhee 'is absolutely mortified by her behaviour'.

He added: "The incidents appear to be completely out of character and isolated."

Sheriff Anthony McGeehan placed McGhee on a structured deferred sentence as 'an appropriate first step in this case'.

He said: "I would anticipate that this won't be the end of this matter.

"Given the nature of the offences, they require to be marked."

A further hearing will take place on March 20 next year.