A 44-year-old man who caused disturbances at two Galashiels stores has been ordered to carry out 120 hours unpaid work at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

George Martin pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at Aldi on the evening of April 13 and at Boots in the Gala Water Retail Park on September 30.

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, said staff were stocking shelves at Aldi when they saw the accused enter the shop and he was challenged about being banned and asked to leave.

She said: "He refused to leave and began shouting at staff and swearing at them.

"He tried to trip up one person and fell through an open door. "He was constantly shouting and swearing and accused them of assaulting him.

"He upturned a rack containing brochures and threw it onto the floor.

"He took hold of a shopping trolley and rammed it against the glass doors.

"The accused then pushed a trolley into some pot plants that were outside the store and overturned and damaged them.

"This was all caught on CCTV."

Ms Hamilton then described the events at Boots on September 30.

Martin of King Street, Galashiels, had entered the store to collect a prescription but was refused service because of his demeanour.

He then ran back into the store, fell to the ground and shouted 'inhaler'.

Ms Hamilton said: "The pharmacist put him in the recovery position and returned to the counter.

"When the ambulance service arrived the accused became agitated and the police had to be called.

"He kicked out at two police officers and then spat on another one."

Martin was not cautioned or charged due to his behaviour.

Defence lawyer Colin Severin said his client was an alcoholic but had been taking steps to address the problem.

He added: "He behaved disgracefully and describes the pharmacist as a lovely girl."

Sheriff Raymond McMenamin said the events must have been alarming for the staff at both stores.

He imposed a 12 months Community Pay Back order which involves 120 hours unpaid work.