Transgender woman abused by metro train passenger

A Metro train passenger who hurled shocking abuse at a transgender woman travelling on the same carriage has been put behind bars.

Former Nissan worker Alan Barrie, 24, shouted hateful slurs and sexual questioning at the woman, who was travelling from North Tyneside for a night out in Newcastle city with a friend.

Newcastle Crown Court heard the victim, who has undergone genderreassignment to become female, was forced to leave the train before her destination.

She was left "extremely distressed" by the abusive attack by a man who was a stranger to her.

Barrie, of Selby Gardens, Walkergate, Newcastle, pleaded guilty to a publicorder offence.

The court heard Barrie shouted "highly offensive" abuse when he spotted the victim on the train, including "oh my God, it's a f***** man".

He tried to grab her phone when she tried to record what he was doing.

Barrie then started questioning the woman on her sexual preferences.

He has been sentenced for a total of two years and ten months behind bars.

The judge said Barrie's shocking train comments were "utterly odious" andtold him: "It is clear you are ashamed, in the sober light of day."

Mark Saunders, defending, said Barrie started to "fall apart" after thedeath of his brother and started to misuse drugs, despite having a good job at the car plant.