A LABOURER pinned his partner to the ground with his foot to her injury during a violent confrontation at a house in the Borders, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

James Hamilton, 30, also admitted making threatening and abusive remarks towards the woman at the house in West Linton on October 10.

Procurator fiscal Fraser Matheson explained the couple had spent the previous night together drinking and watching television.

The police had visited regarding a noise complaint in the area and left the house.

But after midnight "things became heated between the couple" with Hamilton abusive towards her with foul-mouthed insults and calling her an "unfit mother”.

During a struggle he pushed her and she threatened to call the police.

Mr Matheson said the accused responded by saying he would stab her before the police got there.

Hamilton grabbed hold of her and pulled her to the ground and pinned her on the ground with his foot to her injury.

A neighbour summoned the police due to the noise and Hamilton admitted to officers that he regretted saying the things he did about his partner.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said his client had been drinking heavily at the time.

Hamilton, who gave an address in Edinburgh, was given a Community Payback Order involving supervision and also to attend the Caledonian Men's programme for the next 18 months as an alternative to custody.