A BUCCLEUCH Hunt supporter who spat at a person who was opposing the Hunt has been fined £300 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Fifty-one-year-old John Thomson, of Springfield Place, St Boswells, pleaded guilty to the offence which happened at Borthwickshiels, near Hawick, on September 17.

He also admitted shouting and swearing and uttering a threat to kill a person.

Prosecutor Alasdair Fay told Jedburgh Sheriff Court the accused was following the Buccleuch Hunt when he came across a group of people who were opposing the Hunt and were trying to video the activities.

He said: “One of the observers' vehicle was obstructing the roadway and led to a verbal altercation between Mr Thomson and a woman.

“He said to her stay in your car or I will kill you.

“He then spat out the car window towards the observer.”

Thomson told the court he had reacted when one of the protesters pointed to a child’s car seat in the back of his car and said: “Teaching your child to be a murderer.”

He admitted he had lost his temper as he objected to why his daughter had been brought into the matter.

Thomson pleaded guilty to charges of assault and threatening or abusive behaviour.

In addition to the fine he was ordered to pay a £20 victim surcharge.