A GALASHIELS man has denied charges of assault and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Ross Knowles, 27, of Gala Park, appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court and pleaded not guilty to both offences.

He is alleged to have been shouting and making threatening, homophobic and abusive comments in Stirling Street, Galashiels, on August 4.

On the same day and at same place he is said to have punched a male and repeatedly attempted to punch him on the head to his injury.

Knowles had a trial date fixed for Selkirk Sheriff Court for May 9 with an intermediate hearing on April 3.

He was released on bail with special conditions not to contact two named people or enter Forest Road in Selkirk.