A SALINE pensioner, upset about noise from a neighbour’s renovation work, called him a “queer” and other offensive comments.

The remarks about his neighbour’s sexual orientation resulted in Alexander Fernie appearing at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, where he was fined £250.

Fernie, 72, of Oaklea, admitted that on August 24 at his home, he behaved in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly shouting, swearing and making offensive remarks to a neighbour and the offence was aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation.

Described as being “at the end of his tether” about the noise, Fernie shouted to the man: “Everybody knows what you are. You’re a poof and a queer.”

He then said his neighbour was a “lying b******”.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said: “The current partner of the complainer is a male. The complainer was upset about the comments and reported it to the police.”

Fernie later told police he had “lost the head” after the banging coming from his neighbour’s house.

Defence solicitor Peter Robertson said his client was a first offender and had otherwise “been of good behaviour all his life”.

He went on: “He accepts he should have bitten his tongue. He was at the end of his tether because of the building work taking place next door.

“He’s aware that language like that should not be used.”