A Brighton woman has been convicted of common assault and harassment without violence against a transgender woman after appearing before city magistrates on Thursday (30 March).
Isla Speirs, 31, of Regency Square, Brighton, was convicted after trial of common assault at the Clock Tower on 11 September 2016 and harassment without violence between 12 and 27 September 2016. Screens were brought into the court for her victim to give evidence behind.
Speirs was given a 12-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, a 12 month Restraining Order and ordered to pay £50 compensation to the victim.
She targeted a woman in Brighton with transphobic abuse on a number of occasions throughout September 2016, as well as assaulting her by throwing a cup of coffee over her.
Sussex Police hate crime sergeant, Peter Allan said: “I am pleased the court has convicted the defendant in this case. No-one should be targeted in such a personal and public way because of who they are.
“This sentence sends out a clear signal that we will take a robust approach to those who target individuals based on their disability, gender identity, race, religion or sexual orientation.
“I hope this case will encourage other victims of hate to report such behaviour to the police. We appreciate how difficult it can be for victims and witnesses to give evidence and I am pleased the court agreed the victim could give her evidence from behind a screen and that Speirs was not allowed to cross examine the victim directly.
“It is essential that we are able to reassure victims and witnesses that we will offer them as much support as possible to enable them to present their evidence in the best way for them.”
Hate crime can be reported to police by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk, calling 101, or 999 in an emergency. For those who wish to report online, you can do so by completing the short form which is available on our website.
Was this at one of the council-run hostels?