A HAWICK man who sent abusive and offensive messages to his mother because she would not give him any money has been ordered to pay £250 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Thirty six year old Greg Bain pleaded guilty to sending the offensive messages on Facebook from a house in Lothian Street on July 30.

Graham Fraser, prosecuting, said the accused had a substantial number of previous convictions and was on benefits while his mother is 65 years old.

He said: "I imagine she does not have that much money but he was still asking her for money.

"It started about 2.15pm on Facebook and the messages became abusive. They included I hope you die in hospital and when I see you you are going to get a punch in the face.

"When she told him to stop sending the messages or she would report him to the police he sent another message saying, 'Go on then, I will come to your door with a blade'."

When interviewed by police Bain claimed he was only winding his mother up and did not realise she was taking the threats seriously.

Defence laweyer Ross Dow admitted: "He went too far on this occasion. But I am satisfied they were empty threats."

Bain was fined £150 compensation by Sheriff Peter Paterson and ordered to pay £100 compensation to his mother.