A GALASHIELS man who sent abusive and threatening messages on social media to his former partner and her friends has been remanded in custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.

Jamie West pleaded guilty to nine counts of sending messages in June and July from his Beech Avenue home on Facebook, Instagram and Plenty of Fish as he was upset at the breakdown of his three-and-a-half year relationship.

The 31-year-old also admitted throwing paint over a car parked in Tweed Terrace, Galashiels, on July 14.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser said the messages contained threats against his ex-partner and her friends which were very concerning.

Defence lawyer Ross Dow admitted they were at the "upper end of the scale" but his client accepted the relationship with Rebecca Glass was now over.

Sheriff Peter Paterson refused a motion for bail saying: "These are serious and completely unjustified communications."

West was remanded in custody until September 5 to allow background reports to be prepared.