A SELKIRK man who admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards his partner has been fined £300 at the town’s sheriff court.

Electrician Scott Arnold, 41, pleaded guilty to repeatedly phoning the woman on June 16 and 17 and uttering threats of violence towards her via Facebook Messenger.

The court was told the couple had separated at the time but Arnold did not accept this and phoned her on 23 occasions and left messages saying: “I might kill you, I might not. Probably will, good luck.”

Arnold told police the comment was meant as a joke. The court also heard the partner was keen to resume the relationship as he had received assistance with his mental health.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client fully accepted he had crossed the line with his behaviour but the couple had now reconciled. He added his client had a previous conviction but not related to his current partner.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said: “This is at the lower end of these matters if that’s an appropriate way of describing it. You would have been admonished if you did not have a previous conviction.”

In addition to the fine, Arnold was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.