A MAN who took photographs of four girls in a Borders town has been ordered to pay them £100 each in compensation.

Adam Perry, 36, from Peebles, pleaded guilty to two counts of behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in Peebles town centre on June 16 and June 17.

Fiona Hamilton, prosecuting, said two females aged 16 and 17 were aware of a man following them and filming them or taking photographs.

They reported the matter to the police.

The next again day, two other females were walking along Tweed Green in Peebles and saw the accused sitting on a bench.

The depute fiscal added: "They felt he was taking images of them.

"They immediately contacted their grandparents who contacted the police.

"The accused was traced and a search of his phone did show images of the witnesses.

"The accused was arrested and made no reply."

Sheriff Peter Paterson said no sexual motive had been established for the behaviour.

But he added: "Whatever lies behind this has to be stopped.

"Let me make it clear this must not happen again."

In addition to the £400 compensation to the four females, Perry was fined £200 and given 28 days to pay the fine.