A MOTORIST who drove away after colliding with a car has been fined a total of £405 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

James Gray pleaded guilty to a charge of careless driving and colliding with a stationary vehicle in Burnfoot Road on October 30.

The 36-year-old also admitted failing to stop after an accident and not reporting the matter to the police within 24 hours.

But a not guilty plea to making threats of violence in Havelock Place in Hawick, after being confronted by the vehicle's owner, was accepted by the Crown.

Depute fiscal Tessa Bradley said the collision near the junction with the A7 around 4pm was witnessed by the owner and another person.

They discovered the vehicle at garage premises in Havelock Street where it had relatively minor damage and there was a 'somewhat heated discussion between the parties following which the accused got into his vehicle and drove off'.

Police officers caught up with Gray at his home in Queens Drive on December 20 when he was cautioned and charged.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said Gray's recollection of the incident that the impact was very minor.

He said: "Not withstanding that he should have stopped, the only explanation is that he panicked."

Mr Patrick said that one of the men who confronted his client had been taking photographs and they were both aggressive which is why he drove off.

He added: "He never thought about the incident again until the police approached him."

Gray was fined £135 fort each of the three offences and his licence was endorsed with five penalty points.