A CHINESE restaurant owner who assaulted his wife in Earlston's High Street has been fined £350 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Fifty five year old Chun Tze pleaded guilty to the offence which happened on April 23.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser described how the incident started at 2.30pm and was witnessed by two members of the public in the High Street..

He explained: "They saw the accused's wife running away from the businesses premises chased by the accused.

"She then sat down on a doorstep and he was seen to catch up with her.

"He siezed her by the lapels and pulled her to her feet and pushed her.

"He then walked off and the police were called by the passer-by."

Mr Fraser said Tze's wife did not advise the police at the timne what the witnesses had seen.

He added: "When cautioned and charged the accused replied, 'I did not beat her'."

The court was told Tze had a previous conviction for domestic assault involving his wife.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said the couple had been living together since the incident without any problems.

He explained: "There was an argument inside the shop. She left the shop and he did not want her to leave the shop.

"He tried to get her back in and when she refused he tried to physically pick her up.

"He has no outstanding matters and there are no ongoing difficulties between the pair.

"He appreciates his actions were criminal and has to be dealt with by the court.

"My client is in a position to pay a financial penalty."

Sheriff Peter Paterson noted the accused had declined assistance to deal with anger issues.

He pointed out that if there was a repeat of the offence he may well go to prison.