AN "alcohol-fuelled argument" during the early hours of Boxing Day with his partner has resulted in Edward Montgomery being fined £200 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

The 25-year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting the woman at a house in Scott Street, Galashiels, on December 26 by pushing her on the body and causing her to fall over to her injury.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the couple had been in a relationship for around 18 months and the woman had a friend round for Christmas Day.

He explained that at around 2.20 the following morning the woman and her friend were standing at the back door of the property when the accused arrived on the scene.

The fiscal said drink had been taken by all parties on this occasion.

He added: "The accused for no apparent reason pushed her and she fell over resulting in grazing to her right forearm."

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said the offence was out of character and it had been "an alcohol fuelled argument".

Sheriff Peter Paterson imposed a fine but warned Montgomery of the consequences if the offence happened again.