A MAN accused of a sexual offence was attacked in Galashiels town centre while walking with his mother, Selkirk Sheriff Court has been told.

Twenty-five-year-old Liam Scott pleaded guilty to pushing the man to the ground and repeatedly punching him on the head and body to his injury.

The assault happened in Overhaugh Street on October 30 at around 4.30pm.

Police officers who were in the town centre dealing with another incident heard the commotion and witnessed Scott punching the man.

Defence lawyer Stephanie Clinkscale said there were others in her client’s group when comments were made and he became involved.

Scott, of Croft Street, Galashiels, was ordered to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to custody as part of a nine-month community payback order.