A FATHER-OF-FIVE who admitted arguing with his partner and smashing household items has been fined £150 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Thirty-four-year-old Steven Howitt appeared from custody and pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at a house in the Berwickshire village of Cockburnspath on Monday.

The court was told that the couple - who have five children aged between four and nine - only split up last month and an argument developed about money owed.

Howitt telephoned the police during the row but then lost his temper further and broke the television screen as well as a mirror and picture in the living room.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said Howitt then left the house and waited in his car for the police to arrive. He pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour.

Sheriff Peter Paterson told Howitt he was being fined due to his "stupidity" by behaving irresponsibly after calling the police.

Howitt, a labourer, is moving from Berwickshire following the break-up to live in West Yorkshire with a relative.