A GALASHIELS man who was found in possession of cocaine during a night-out has been fined £200 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

Danilo Difiore, of Barr Road, admitted having the class A drug in Bank Close, Galashiels, during the early hours of September 30.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the offence happened at quarter past two in the morning.

He explained: "Police officers were on duty and saw the accused go into a lane leading to Bank Close.

"There are pubs and clubs in the nearby vicinity and the area is well known for drug taking.

"The accused appeared to be intoxicated by something.

"He seemed nervous and fidgety and when he was searched a plastic bag with powder was found."

The court heard that 24-year-old Difiore had paid £40 that night for the cocaine.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said: "He was on a night out with friends and someone suggested trying cocaine.

"Foolishly he agreed as he had never done it before.

"He has learned his lesson through this process."

Mr Hulme said his client was fully co-operative with the police.

Sheriff Derrick McIntyre told Difiore "he had put his hands up straight away" and as a result cut the level of fine from £300 to £200.