A PROBE has been launched after a former Peebles footballer died during a stretch in prison.

Robert Henderson was considered by many in his hometown to be a great prospect as he smashed several goalscoring records in the 1970s and 80s with Peebles Thistle Boys Club.

But the 48-year-old, who had been living lately in Galashiels, was sentenced to four months in jail for his part in a drunken bust-up with his partner.

Mr Henderson had taken ill and collapsed at HMP Edinburgh last month and was taken to the city’s Royal Infirmary.

Despite lengthy treatment he is understood to have died from natural causes on Sunday, March 30, and his next of kin have been informed.

A fatal accident inquiry will be held at a future date into the circumstances surrounding his death which is procedure with all fatalities in custody.

A Scottish Prison Service spokesperson said: “Police Scotland have been advised and the matter will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.” Mr Henderson was jailed for four months at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on February 20 for making abusive and offensive remarks towards his partner during a drunken row at a house in the Langlee area of Galashiels. He had been arguing with Rosemary Law about her son Colin who was found dead in a remote wooded area near Gordon, Berwickshire, last April after being missing for 14 years.