A PATIENT pest who caused two disturbances at Borders General Hospital within the space of four days has avoided a prison sentence at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Thirty one year old Karen Turner from Howegate pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and acting in an aggressive manner in the accident and emergency department on August 21.

She also admitted threatening or abusive behaviour in an ambulance and also at the hospital on August 25 when she struggled with police and kicked a female officer on the leg.

Turner also pleaded guilty to struggling violently with three people and kicking a door during another incident in Howegate, Hawick, on August 13.

She was ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work as part of an 18 month community pay back order.