A GALASHIELS man who admitted acting aggressively towards police officers as they were investigating a complaint at a public house at the weekend was remanded in custody at Selkirk Sheriff Court on Monday.

Douglas Ian Cruikshank, 38, of Winston Road, pleaded guilty to acting in a threatening or abusive manner at the Woodcutter public house in Langlee on Saturday.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said police officers were in the pub’s empty lounge area making enquiries into an allegation of assault.

He explained: “The accused came in close to where the officer was standing and started to stare at the person who was speaking to the police. He was asked if had a problem and he replied I am watching him being a grass by talking to the police.

“The police officers were concerned about the apparent intimidation going on and asked him to leave the lounge area.

“The accused was belligerent towards the police and the staff asked the accused to leave the louinge area and go to the public bar to try and calm things down.

“Eventually the police realised who he was and that he was on bail. They received a complaint that he might have a weapon on him and he was shouting and swearing at them. Eventually he was apprehended.” Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said: “These were actions of someone who had far too much to drink. He was acting a bit of a prat.” He admitted things spiralled out of control when Cruikshank when the police searched him for the alleged weapon.

Cruikshank - who is a member of the Scottish Defence League and has a trial coming up this week at Edinburgh Sheriff Court - was told by Sheriff Peter Paterson there was a serious element to the case.

He said: “I will not tolerate interference with the police carrying out their duty. The matter will be deferred for reports.” Cruikshank was remanded in custody until December 9.