A SELKIRK man has been found guilty after a trial of following a woman during the early hours of New Year’s Day.

Christopher Silverstein shouted and swore and made derogatory remarks during the incident and placed the woman in a state of fear and alarm.

The 39-year-old had denied the charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Selkirk’s Bleachfield Road and Scotts Place.

But after listening to the evidence of 28-year-old Sarah Walker - who is now engaged to Silverstein - and also a recording of a 999 call, Sheriff Paterson found him guilty.

Ms Walker said she had left a party in Raeburn Meadow in the early hours of New Year’s Day after earlier receiving a telephone call from Silverstein who she previously had a relationship but was now 'just good friends’.

She explained that as she headed home Silverstein, who was leaning against a wall, stood upright and made a derogatory comment towards her.

Ms Walker told the court Silverstein was subjecting her to abuse and she headed for Selkirk Police Station where she dialled 999 as the accused continued to shout and swear at her.

In her evidence she said she later fled to the father of her son’s home to escape.

She also told the court she was now engaged to Silverstein and there was not a problem if he took his medication and refrained from alcohol.

In his summing up, defence lawyer Robert More said that Ms Walker had told the court they both had got frustrated and angry and there was a disagreement of sorts, but he said the actions were not criminal.

However Sheriff Paterson said Ms Walker’s evidence had been “conspicuously honest, clearly and succinctly” and this was corroborated by Silverstein’s own statement to the police.

He deferred sentence for six months for good behaviour. The case will recall on February 23.