Soldier first conviction for ‘transgender prejudice’
By Phil ScullionFollow @PhilScullion
A soldier has become the first person in Scotland to be convicted of transgender prejudice.
Terry Porter, from Kinross, admitted behaving towards Chloe Dow in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear and alarm.
The court heard that he had called Ms Dow "disgusting", referring to her as a "freak" and a "mutant".
Sheriff Michael Fletcher described the incident as a "nasty offence", handing out a £350 fine, substantially more than the usual amount for a breach of the peace.
The soldier is also likely to face disciplinary measures from the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.
His solicitor pointed to the fact he had been drinking heavily and said he regretted his "completely out of order" actions.
The breach of the peace took place when Mr Porter arrived uninvited at the place Ms Dow was staying with Oliver Bond at 03:50.
Mr Porter was ushered out of the property, having threatened violence against Ms Dow.
When police arrived Ms Dow was "extremely distressed", but when they went to arrest Mr Porter he denied any assault had taken place.
He also claimed that he had nothing against transgender people and it was "their choice".
Stonewall Scotland director Carl Watt said: "Too many people in Scotland experience hate crimes, and many don't report it because they think it won't make a difference or because it happens on such a regular basis."
