Sheriff Christopher Shead took an accused to task at Falkirk Sheriff Court after he showed up at a sentencing hearing wearing grey cargo shorts, STV News reports.

He said he was “absolutely astonished” that the accused “can’t be bothered getting dressed”.

“For the avoidance of doubt, don’t ever come back to this court dressed in shorts again,” he continued.

“The court has had cause to make that comment on a number of occasions and indicated that it will be treating the matter as a contempt of court if it continues – in your case or anyone else’s.”

Outside court, the man in question was asked by a journalist if he would wear shorts in court again.

“I don’t know,” he said.