A 23-year-old who ran at a vulnerable man out walking with his carer, knocking him to the ground, was sentenced to 120 hours' community service as a direct alternative to imprisonment.
Jason Trimby, of Fisher Avenue, committed the offence during the afternoon of April 30 in Commercial Road.
At Jedburgh last Thursday, the court heard the assault, which left the victim with soreness to his chest and shoulder, followed allegations
of a serious offence.
"It happened at about 3.45pm when the complainer was walking home with his carer," explained depute fiscal Sally Clark.
She said the man was known to Trimby, who was with his family.
"At the pedestrian crossing, he ran at the man, pushing him hard, which caused him to fall on to the pavement," added Ms Clark.
"The carer prevented any further contact and helped the man to his feet."
She said Trimby made a "full and frank admission" to police when questioned later.
Defence lawyer Rory Bannerman described the victim as "a vulnerable member of the community".
He said the background to his client's behaviour was an allegation of a serious offence.
"He basically ran at him and knocked him over," said Mr Bannerman. "It went no further than that."
Sheriff Kevin Drummond told Trimby: "The community will not accept such behaviour.
"You just don't seem to care what anyone thinks," he added, warning that community service was a direct alternative to imprisonment.
The full article contains 245 words and appears in n/a newspaper.
