BACKGROUND reports have been ordered into a Galashiels man who brandished a knife during a bust-up.

Twenty-seven-year-old Alan Lambert pleaded guilty to threatening or abusive behaviour at an address in Galashiels on March 27.

Alasdair Fay, prosecuting, told Selkirk Sheriff Court that at around 6pm residents became aware of a disturbance in the street involving Lambert and also another man who is well known to the court.

Police were contacted and Lambert began smashing plant pots and garden furniture and produced a Stanley knife while making threats.

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He left a bag behind at the scene which contained a pair of flip flops and a letter with his name and address on it which enabled police to trace him.

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said that at the time of the offence his client was struggling with drink and drug problems and his memory of the incident was "fairly patchy".

He added that he had a work bag with him which he used for his labouring job and that had contained the small Stanley knife.

Lambert had also sought help for his problems and had refrained from substance misuse or alcohol.

Sheriff Mark Thorley deferred sentence until September 5 for the production of a Criminal Justice Social Work Report and a Restriction of Liberty order assessment.