A GALASHIELS man has been fined £1200 after being involved in a road rage incident on the A72 road between Peebles and Innerleithen.

Francis Cunningham pleaded guilty to driving a van carelessly on September 26.

The 54-year-old of Melrose Road, also admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in the Co-operative car park in Innerleithen on September 26.

Selkirk Sheriff Court was told how he overtook a vehicle and then pulled in sharply forcing the vehicle to brake suddenly to avoid a collision, and then started making gestures and was abusive.

His lawyer described how his client engaged in language which was not appropriate but that the other driver "gave as good as he got".

In addition to the fines, his licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Cunningham had originally been charged with dangerous driving but pleaded guilty to the lesser charge of driving without due care and attention.