A ROW over a salmon fishing permit notice resulted in a Peebles man assaulting a leisure centre worker.

Sixty-two-year-old Derek Brown of George Terrace, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at the Gytes Leisure Centre in Peebles on April 30.

Depute fiscal Mark Keane told Selkirk Sheriff Court how the incident began at around 2.15pm when Brown came into the reception area enquiring about a fishing permit but became agitated and argumentative with the staff member.

He was shouting that he was going to get the staff member sacked and appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

Brown tried to purchase a drink but the machine was not working and became more abusive.

Mr Keane said: "He was asked to stop swearing but he went up behind the staff member and punched him to the right side of the torso.

"He was not injured but walked into the office and phoned the police."

Brown drove off in a Ford Focus and when police caught up with him he was found to have no insurance and licence.

He was fined a total of £320 and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the leisure centre worker.

In addition he had six penalty points placed on his licence for the insurance offence.