A MAN who stole a bus and went joyriding has been banned from driving.

Josh Nordon, 22, of Hawick, took the vehicle from the Borders Buses Depot in Burnfoot Road, Hawick, and was spotted driving it dangerously in Mart Street.

He travelled at excessive speed, ignored road signs and drove in the opposite carriageway on the night of March 24, 2019.

Jedburgh Sheriff Court was told that Nordon's father worked for Borders Buses and that he had taken the bus to "show off" to a friend.

He also admitted taking a car without the consent of the owner from Bourtree Place and had no insurance.

Nordon pleaded guilty to wasting police time by alleging his neighbour in Hamilton Road, Hawick, was arguing with his wife and was in possession of a firearm - a claim that was untrue.

Procurator fiscal Fraser Matheson said a "significant amount of resources" had been allocated to deal with the incident due to the firearms claim.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client had said in his words he had been a "stupid idiot."

As an alternative to custody Nordon was given a Community Pay Back Order with a night time home curfew.

He was disqualified from driving for 20 months and fined £100.