AN Innerleithen man has been fined £200 at Selkirk Sheriff Court after admitting a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner aggravated by sexual prejudice.

Alan Keddie, of Buccleuch Street, pleaded guilty to making homophobic comments during a bust-up over a dog at a field at the end of Princes Street, Innerleithen, last month.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said there had been a previous issue about a black labrador when the pair came across each other while out walking near the River Tweed.

He said: "The accused approached the complainer who told him to stay away.

"But the accused started shouting and pointing his finer at the man saying 'what are you going to do about it you p***'.

"This was witnessed by a nearby householder and the man was alarmed and distressed at what had taken place."

The court was told the complainer was gay.

Keddie made no reply when cautioned and charged.

The 44-year-old's lawyer said there had been a previous incident between the men.

He said Mr Keddie had been involved in a previous incident with the complainer, and that it was the complainer’s dog who had bitten Mr Keddie.

He added: "This incident arose due to the fact Mr Keddie was trying to obtain the name of the complainer so he could make a complaint to the police.

"The complainer refused to give his name to Mr Keddie and the argument then ensued and both parties became agitated."