A TEXTILE firm manager involved in an altercation with police at a Hawick pub has been fined £500 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Thirty-six-year-old David Cantle pleaded guilty to resisting arrest and struggling violently by flailing his arms resulting in a constable’s injury at the Station Bar in Dovemount Place on March 30.

A not guilty plea to assaulting a police officer was accepted by the Crown. 

Prosecutor Amy Mason said that shortly after midnight police were called about a fight which had occurred outside the bar.

She continued: ”On arrival they were met by the now accused who appeared heavily intoxicated and had minor injuries to his face and head.

“He advised officers he had been involved in the earlier incident but could not provide any further details.

“The police officers attempted to engage with him and during which time a struggle ensued.”

Ms Mason said that during the struggle a constable sustained a twisted ankle and soft tissue damage which resulted in him being off his work.

Defence lawyer Ed Hulme said his client was the victim of the earlier assault but he had been drinking and did not want to speak to police officers when they turned up.

He described Cantle as being “uncooperative”.

Mr Hulme said Cantle had abstained from consuming alcohol for the past six weeks.

He also added that the police officer had not been off his work for six weeks as previously stated in court but had been on light duties due to the injury he sustained.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said he was willing to accept the offence was out of character for Cantle who works as a manager at the House of Cheviot knitwear company in Hawick.

As a result Cantle, of Havelock Place, was fined £500 with a £20 victim surcharge.