A SHERIFF has warned a Galashiels man that he faces jail after being convicted of sectarian abuse for a second time.
Peter Paterson said he was determined not to let the Borders suffer the same religious prejudice which affects other parts of Scotland.
Rangers fan Dean Campbell appeared from custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing, struggling violently with police officers and making offensive sectarian remarks.
The offence happened at his home in Bridge Street last Monday.
The 38-year-old is already the subject of a community pay back order, carrying out 100 hours unpaid work for hurling religious abuse at others outside Reivers Bar in Galashiels, which is popular with Celtic fans.
Sheriff Paterson told Campbell: "One of the great things about living in the Borders is that it is relatively free of this sectarian behaviour which is a blight on other parts of the country.
“I will not have it.
“I will call for background reports to see if there is an alternative to a custodial sentence.”
Sentence was deferred until later this month for the production of a Criminal Justice Social Work Report and a Restriction of Liberty Order assessment.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article