A soldier who attacked a woman awaiting a sex-change operation has become the first person in Scotland to be convicted of transgender prejudice.

Terry Porter burst into the house where Chloe - formerly Calum - Dow was staying to hurl abuse at her about her sexuality.

Appearing at Perth Sheriff Court, Porter admitted his offence was aggravated by prejudice relating to transgender identity in the first successful prosecution of its kind.

The 19-year-old squaddie, whose commanding officer was present in court, will now be disciplined by chiefs in the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

The court heard how Porter targeted Ms Dow - who is awaiting gender reassignment surgery - during a drunken night out to celebrate joining the army.

After forcing his way into the house where she was sleeping, Porter - who did not know Ms Dow - elbowed her and subjected her to a tirade of abuse and violent threats.

Fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston told the court Porter shouted: "Get up or I'll drag you out or knock you out. You're a mutant, a f*****g mutant. What a state. Why would you want to dress like that? You look like a freak."

Ms Dow came to the bedroom door and Porter threatened to punch her and told her: "You're disgusting," Ms Kynaston added.

He then hit her with his elbow and she retreated back into the bedroom.

Ms Kynaston said that when police arrived at the house they found Ms Dow in an "extremely distressed" state. Porter was arrested at home a few hours later and when he was questioned by the police he said: "I didn't assault the p**f."

Porter, of Springfield Road, Kinross, admitted breaching the peace in Whyte Place, Milnathort on May 8 by behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear and alarm. He admitted arriving uninvited, elbowing Ms Dow, threatening violence and shouting abuse relating to her transgender status.

He also admitted the offence was aggravated by prejudice relating to transgender identity, under a law introduced in March 2010.

Solicitor Peter O'Neill, defending, said his client was "immature" and wanted to apologise to everyone involved in the case for the way he had behaved.

"I am sure it comes as no surprise that he had had a lot to drink," Mr O'Neill said.

"The Army are aware of the charges. He will be disciplined. He accepts he has drunk far too much and cannot continue to behave in this manner. He has had no contact with Miss Dow since."

Sheriff Michael Fletcher said: "This was a nasty offence because of the character of it. It was aggravated by prejudice towards the transgender identity of the victim."

He said it was "extremely unpleasant" and told Porter he would have been fined £200 if it had been a simple breach of the peace. However, he said he was adding a further £150 to the fine to mark the transgender prejudice, and fined Porter £350.