Attacking a man outside a Galashiels nightclub in front of a police officer cost Craig Williamson a £300 fine.
The 28-year-old chef pleaded guilty to assaulting his victim in Overhaugh Street on April 18.
Selkirk Sheriff Court heard on Monday that the pair had been told to leave the Indigo Rooms after a verbal argument and the victim went up to a police constable and claimed that he had been assaulted.
It was then that Williamson, who had been on the opposite pavement, walked over and punched him on the head. He was then arrested.
His solicitor, Mat Patrick, said the victim had been annoying Williamson all evening and asking him to buy drugs for him.
Mr Patrick added: “It was not a random attack – his patience ran out.”
The victim was described by the investigating police officer as “a challenging individual to deal with”.
Sheriff Craig Robertson said he took into account what had been said, but told Williamson, c/o Burts Hotel, High Street, Melrose, that “crossing the road and punching him on the head in front of a police officer was an act of extreme foolishness”.