A CALLOUS Galashiels man who harassed a vulnerable woman with learning difficulties for money has been jailed for 180 days at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

William Kennedy approached the woman who is a former friend, at the Galashiels Interchange, the Asda store and at a house in Tweedbank between March 9 and 11. As well as demanding money he refused to leave her home.

At the Interchange he asked for £8 for his train fare and would not leave her alone till he got the cash.

At Asda he followed her to a cash machine where she gave him £10 so that he would go away.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the 31-year-old, of Gala Park, regarded the woman as an easy source of finance and took advantage of her.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said Kennedy accepted he went too far.

She said: “He started off taking his chances to see if he could obtain money. He can appreciate how this can make her feel.”

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “This offence says it all about you. About your selfish self-nature and your callousness.”

The 180-day prison sentence was back-dated to June 20.