A SELF-EMPLOYED handyman who issued a threat to kill his former partner during an argument has been fined £450 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Ricky Clift, 34, of Oven Wynd, Kelso, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at a house in the Borders on December 19.

The court was told the couple had been in a relationship for nine years, but it ended following the incident.

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, said there had been arguments between the pair over the course of the weekend but matters came to a head at 2.30am.

When he entered her bedroom and said: "I am going to kill you. This is not the end. You have not heard the last of this."

The partner contacted the police at 8am as she was concerned for her safety.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said the first offender had been having difficulties in his relationship with the woman and was preparing to move house.

He added: "It had been very stressful and they had been arguing.

"Things had been escalating on both sides but he fully accepts he should not have crossed the line with what he said.

"He removed himself from the locus that night and returned at 8.30am to get his belongings."

In addition to the fine, Sheriff Gareth Jones imposed a Non-Harassment Order forbidding any contact with Clift's former partner for the next 12 months.

There was also a £20 victim surcharge.