Penny Anderson

Silhouette image via Wikimedia Commons

Penny Anderson, a violent male who identifies as a trans woman, was convicted at Sheffield Crown Court of two counts of racially aggravated fear of or provocation of violence in 2007.

Anderson, 41, was sentenced to two months in prison, suspended for 18 months under supervision by the probation service. An ASBO was also imposed banning Anderson from taking pictures of the boys involved.

The prosecution applied for the ASBO banning Anderson from taking photographs because parents in the area had become concerned the defendant was taking pictures of their children. Anderson had placed cameras in the windows at home to deter potential attacks and apparently walked around with a dictaphone and a camera.

Judge Patrick Robertshaw told Anderson “You pursue a minority lifestyle and you may well think that is something that has been thrust upon you. I have no doubt at all that minority lifestyle is one that leads to you suffering disgraceful and ignorant abuse, and that is something that is clearly wrong. Everyone is entitled to live their lives as they choose, free from harassment and discrimination.” But he added: “It is equally wrong, thoroughly unacceptable and reprehensible, whatever provocation there might have been, for you to engage in abusive conduct towards others based on their attributes and in this case the colour of their skin – over which they have no control either.” 

Media reports:

The Star http://www.thestar.co.uk/whats-on/out-and-about/asbo-against-transsexual-1-228961 archive