A CHEF from Hawick who assaulted his brother in a local nightclub and subjected him to homophobic remarks has been ordered to pay a total of £495 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Steven Shields, 34, of Duke Street, pleaded guilty to the offences which happened in the Base nightclub in October, 2013.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley explained the brothers did "not have a particularly easy relationship and they frequently fell out with each other." She said that, on the night of October 26, David Shields was out with a group of friends but around midnight his brother went into the club.

Ms Bradley said: "About around 1.15a.m. the accused approached his brother quite rapidly and he grabbed him round the neck and kicked him before knocking him to the ground." She added that David managed to struggle free and the pair faced each other.

Ms Bradley said: "He shouted at him you stupid little faggot which the brother perceived that to be a homophobic comment as he is gay. The accused was then dragged away. He was later traced by police and made no reply to caution and charge." Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman insisted his client was not anti-gay and his words "had just slipped out" as Shields' mother was in a same-sex relationship.

He said the brother had been involved in an argument with Shields' partner the previous week which was the reason for the argument.

Mr Bannerman said:"Alcohol was the fuel in this case." Sheriff Derrick McIntyre pointed out that it was an assault in a public place and imposed a fine of £450. He added another £45 for the homophobic comments towards his brother.

A CHEF from Hawick who assaulted his brother in a local nightclub and subjected him to homophobic remarks has been ordered to pay a total of £495 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Steven Shields, 34, of Duke Street, pleaded guilty to the offences which happened in the Base nightclub in October, 2013.

Prosecutor Tessa Bradley explained the brothers did "not have a particularly easy relationship and they frequently fell out with each other." She said that, on the night of October 26, David Shields was out with a group of friends but around midnight his brother went into the club.

Ms Bradley said: "About around 1.15a.m. the accused approached his brother quite rapidly and he grabbed him round the neck and kicked him before knocking him to the ground." She added that David managed to struggle free and the pair faced each other.

Ms Bradley said: "He shouted at him you stupid little faggot which the brother perceived that to be a homophobic comment as he is gay. The accused was then dragged away. He was later traced by police and made no reply to caution and charge." Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman insisted his client was not anti-gay and his words "had just slipped out" as Shields' mother was in a same-sex relationship.

He said the brother had been involved in an argument with Shields' partner the previous week which was the reason for the argument.

Mr Bannerman said:"Alcohol was the fuel in this case." Sheriff Derrick McIntyre pointed out that it was an assault in a public place and imposed a fine of £450. He added another £45 for the homophobic comments towards his brother.