BACKGROUND reports have been ordered into a Galashiels man who admitted a domestic abuse charge.

Thirty-nine-year-old James Nugent pleaded guilty to engaging in a course of conduct which was abusive to a partner or former partner.

Sentence was deferred at Edinburgh Sheriff Court until July 30 for a Criminal Justice Social Work Report and a Restriction of Liberty Order assessment.

A non-harassment order for five years was imposed in respect of the complainer.