SPITTING at police has proven costly for a 20-year-old from Galashiels.

James Stockman from Penman Place was fined a total of £300 this week at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

He pleaded guilty to charges of threatening or abusive behaviour at his home on October 23 and spitting at a police constable.

He was fined £100 for each offence and also ordered to pay £100 compensation to the officer.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: "I accept you have a number of difficulties in life but there comes a point when the court will run out of sentencing options.

"I do not want to send you to jail but if you continue to offend then that will be an option."