A MOTORIST overtook a line of traffic on the A68 when it was unsafe to do so in full view of a police sergeant, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Douglas Ross - who has been driving for almost four decades without a conviction - pulled out onto the north bound lane and overtook three vehicles which were behind a tractor without a full view of the road and a bend approaching.

The court was told the officer who was travelling behind the 63-year-old was "alarmed" at the manoeuvre.

The offence happened on the A68 between Earlston and Lauder on the morning of July 7.

Ross of Wallace View, Falkirk, was originally charged with dangerous driving but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of careless driving.

The charity worker was fined £400 and had five penalty points placed on his licence.