A DRUNKEN Borders man tried to buy a goldfish at a pet shop at the height of the coronavirus lockdown restrictions and then made a racial comment towards a staff member when he was refused access, a court has been told.

Allan McKillop, 48, of Galashiels, attempted to enter the Pets at Home store in Galashiels on the afternoon of March 25. The shop had been allowed to stay open for essential supplies for animals.

When asked why he wanted into the shop, McKillop said he wanted to buy a goldfish.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told that he was abusive towards the shop assistant, who spoke with a Bulgarian accent, saying she should go back to her own country and also made a crude sexual comment about a staff member.

McKillop, of Huddersfield Street, pleaded guilty to charges of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and also racially aggravated harassment.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick accepted it was unpleasant behaviour by his client which was down to alcohol consumption.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: "These are stupid and offensive remarks."

McKillop was fined a total of £200 on the two charges and ordered to pay £75 compensation to the shop assistant.

A £10 victim surcharge was also imposed.