A BORDERS man claimed he was in possession of a crossbow during a stand-off with police officers, Jedburgh Sheriff Court has been told.

Forty-seven-year-old Craig Cramond, of Jedburgh, pleaded guilty to charges of threatening or abusive behaviour and vandalism at his Howden Drive home on December 23.

He admitted shouting and swearing, throwing a stool or similar item against a window causing it to smash, made derogatory remarks towards police officers and repeatedly challenged them to fight and telling them he had a crossbow in his property.

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Procurator fiscal Alison Atkins said: "This took place in the middle of the day. The accused had been at his brother's funeral two days before and was grieving.

"He had consumed alcohol to excess on December 23 and at 2.25pm a neighbour became aware of the sound of the accused smashing something.

"He was shouting and swearing and throwing items around the house and the police were contacted.

"They attended and knocked on the door but he did not let them in and could hear him shouting and swearing.

"He came to the window under the influence of alcohol and it appeared had cut his arm causing a considerable injury.

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"Other officers attended and it took some time to defuse the situation.

"He remained hostile and said he had a crossbow in the property which caused police officers to back away for a while.

"He continued shouting and swearing but it eventually became clear he did not have any weapons in the house and the officers approached him and were able to handcuff him."

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said the self-employed bricklayer was "ashamed and embarrassed" about his behaviour.

Sheriff Peter Paterson deferred sentence until July to allow Cramond "to get back on his feet regards his job" and asked the value of the damage should be told to the court on that day so a compensation order can be made.