A TEENAGER snapped when his mother would not go to a shop and buy him cigarettes, Selkirk Sheriff Court was told.

Peter Morey, from Peebles, was described as having “a lamentable attitude” towards his mother and as “immature”.

The 18-year-old pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour by shouting and swearing, throwing furniture across a room and repeatedly slamming doors causing damage in the family home in Dalatho Crescent on November 3.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the disturbance started at about 9.30pm when Morey demanded his mother go to the shop to buy cigarettes for him.

When she refused he started swearing at her and turned over a sofa and a clothes drier.

Mr Fraser said he continued to direct abuse towards his 38-year-old mother who was forced to call her 65-year-old mother for help – but even when she arrived Morey refused to calm down.

He continued: “He abused his grandmother as well and eventually the police were called. He left with a holdall full of clothes.

"The mother and grandmother were visibly upset at what had taken place.

“He was later traced by police. I understand he was working for a while at a delicatessen but was sacked because of his attitude.

“He has been offered a council house in Hawick but wants one in Peebles where his friends are and so he can go to Edinburgh.”

Mr Fraser said Morey’s mother had expressed concern about his alcohol consumption and added that the accused had a “lamentable attitude” towards her.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “The eruption in the house had been building up for sometime. It did not take much for him to lose his temper and control.

“He is an intelligent young man and is well aware that the behaviour is not acceptable.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson called Morey “immature” with an “appalling attitude” adding: “I am going to call for background reports here to see if there is an alternative to a prison sentence.”

He called for a social work report to be prepared and deferred sentence until July 4.