A GALASHIELS man has admitted assaulting a female police officer by repeatedly punching her in the face to her injury.

James Green, 35, of Winston Road, also pleaded guilty to struggling violently with police officers during an incident in Wood Street, Galashiels, on December 18 last year.

Not guilty pleas to four other charges were accepted by the Crown.

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, told Selkirk Sheriff Court that Green was stopped by the police officers who noted he was unsteady on his feet.

She continued:"Initially he tried to walk away but then he started shouting and swearing and expressing his dislike for the police.

"He started to assault the female constable by punching her three times to the face.

"Her male colleague attempted to restrain the accused."

The fiscal said that the female officer fell to the ground and as the struggle continued the male officer pressed the emergency button on his terminal to request support.

He also felt the need to produce his spray and deployed this, hitting the accused on the eyes.

Green was then restrianed and handcuffed.

Ms Hamilton said the female police officers sustained injuries including cuts, bruising, swelling and soft tissue damage on her hand and bruising to her cheek and forehead.

She added he made no reply to being cautioned and charged.

Green was taken to Borders General Hospital because of his intoxicated condition.

Sentence has been deferred until February 24 for the production of a medical report.