A LABOURER from Selkirk has admitted hurling homophobic abuse towards two men.

Then a month later Andrew Gillie approached both and told them if they didn't drop charges he would kill them.

The 33-year-old of Buccleuch Road, pleaded guilty at the town's sheriff court to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and making abusive and homophobic comments in Yarrow Terrace, Selkirk, on August 11.

He also admitted a charge of threatening the two men in Bridge Street, Selkirk, on September 2.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the first incident happened at 8.45pm when the two men, who are in a relationship with each other, became aware of Gillie and a female standing on a pavement.

Gillie made a homophobic comment about one of the men.

Mr Fraser said: "He is fed up being targeted about his sexuality and was alarmed at what had taken place."

The fiscal said Gillie had been cautioned and charged over that but came across the two men at about 3.30pm on September 2 when they were walking their dog.

Mr Fraser said: "He said you better drop the charges or I will kill you. Not surprisingly they were alarmed by this."

Defence lawyer Robert More said his client had not realised the implication of interfering with justice and how serious a matter that could be.

He said: "It was an indication of his ignorance which was evident in the first instance when he was trying to impress his friends. One of the gentlemen had lived in his block and that's how he knew him.

"Having been charged he was extremely foolish and approached them."

Gilie was ordered to pay a total of £400 in compensation to the two men and fined £375.

Sheriff Peter Paterson warned him of the consequences of any further intimidating behaviour towards people over their sexuality whether they be male or female.