A 27-YEAR-OLD man banned by a court order from contacting a woman was spotted by police officers speaking to her outside a Galashiels nightclub.

Michael McLennan was the subject of a bail order in August not have any contact with the woman or enter a street in Darnick.

But depute fiscal Joanne Waller said that at around 3.15am police officers were on foot patrol in Overhaugh Street and saw the accused in the company of the woman.

She explained: "They were in conversation as the officers approached them and then the woman walked away. Fifteen minutes later he was arrested and made no reply."

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Defence lawyer Mat Patrick explained the woman had been trying to contact his client.

He said: "They had both been at the nightclub and had gone there separately and he did not even know she was there.

"But when he came out of the nightclub he felt a tap on the shoulder from this young lady and stupidly engaged in conversation with her. She refused to co-operate with the police."

Sheriff Valerie Johnston reminded McLennan, who gave an address in Ayrshire, of the importance of complying with court orders and deferred sentence until January 10.