A drunken man who threw a knife while rampaging about his home, striking internal walls, had sentence deferred for six months to be of good behaviour.
Fifty-year-old James Blair of Eildon Road, Hawick, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at his home on August 5.
Jedburgh Sheriff Court heard how Blair and his wife had been at home drinking with two others, when an argument developed.
He began shouting and swearing, punching the walls, and throwing a knife.
Depute fiscal Kate McGarvey said the accused’s wife was very concerned by his behaviour, and police found her “distraught” when they arrived.
Solicitor Iain Burke, defending, said his client has never left the house with the knife.
He said his client had argued with a man “not unknown to the court, and who can be aggressive with drink”.
“There was no physical confrontation, but the red mist descended, and things got out of hand,” said Mr Burke.
“The accused was rampaging about his house, being foolish, and saying stupid things,” he continued.
“His wife was not in any fear for her own safety, but was upset by what was going on.
“Drink was a significant contributory factor,” added Mr Burke.
“I appreciate that a knife being involved would cause concern, but there was no threat of injury with the knife, and he never left his home with it,” concluded Mr Burke.
Sheriff Donald Corke told Blair: “Obviously if you are rampaging like this, it can frighten people, but I take account that you were not directing this to anyone present.”
Sentence was deferred until April 5, for Blair to be of good behaviour.