A 37-YEAR-OLD man who assaulted his elderly neighbour after a dispute over a car parking space has been fined £150 at Selkirk Sheriff Court.

First offender Daniel Carroll pleaded guilty to pushing the 74-year-old man on the body with both hands during the disturbance outside their home at Crudens House in the Ettrick Valley on October 8.

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, said that the complainer advised Carroll he had tested positive for COVID and that he should not come any closer.

But the fiscal said that the accused advanced towards the pensioner and pushed him with both hands on the body. She added there was no injury.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow said the background was a neighbourly dispute with both men living in a small hamlet in the Borders.

He explained: "A few weeks before this incident they fell out over a parking space.

"My client was being physically blocked from getting to his house. The neighbour would not move despite being asked four times.

"He has never been to court before and wants to steer well clear of the complainer despite where they live. he is keen to put this behind him and move on."

The self employed farm labourer was fined £150 with a £10 Victim Surcharge added.

Sheriff James Hastie told Carroll: "I have heard what has been said on your behalf. But I have to take into account the age of the complainer.

"Pushing people in a public place is unacceptable."