Transgender woman from Aylesbury urges others to report LGBTQ+ hate crime after her own perpetrator faces court

Marteene Pringle was scared for her safety, but says it won't stop her from standing up to any abuse.

A transgender woman from Buckinghamshire is encouraging victims of hate crime to report it to police, after her own perpetrator was taken to court.

Since starting her transition six years ago, Marteene Pringle from Aylesbury has survived numerous hate attacks.

Last month, she bravely went to court to see one of her assailants found guilty of transphobic abuse.

She was left frightened and scared for her safety but says it won't stop her from standing up to the abuse.

Last year, Thames Valley Police recorded 65 recorded transphobic crimes, but only one person was charged.

Transphobic Hate Crimes recorded by Thames Valley Police:

Year - Crimes - Charges

  • 2015 - 15 - 5

  • 2016 - 16 - 3

  • 2017 - 26 - 0

  • 2018 - 65 - 1

Homophobic Hate Crimes recorded by Thames Valley Police:

Year - Crimes - Charges

  • 2015 - 131 - 37

  • 2016 - 158 - 44

  • 2017 - 199 - 41

  • 2018 - 314 - 52

Hear more about Marteene's story here.

Marteene says too few victims of incidents like her own report them to the police. She says even when there's little prospect of a charge, the information is still useful.

She has vowed she will continue to pound the streets proudly, in the hope her story will mean more people like her get the justice they deserve.

  • Watch Charlotte Briere-Edney's report below: