A HAWICK man threatened to set fire to a neighbour’s home during a drunken dispute, Jedburgh Sheriff Court has been told.

Forty-year-old Michael Reid pleaded guilty to a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour at his home in Ramsay Road on the evening of May 24.

He admitted shouting and swearing and uttering threats of violence.

Prosecutor India McLean said the incident started around 5.50pm when the neighbour complained about the level of noise coming from Reid’s property.

He was within his home intoxicated and made a number of threats against the complainer saying he would go to jail for what he was going to do.

Ms McLean added: “He said he would set fire to the man’s property.”

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said they were “idle threats”, adding: “It was something he would never carry out.”

Reid was fined £200 and ordered to pay  £100 in compensation to his neighbour.  

A £10 victim surcharge was added.