A LOUT shouted abuse at a woman because she was transgender.

Simon Elgy abused the woman at the South Terminal of Gatwick Airport.

A court heard the 37-year-old had caused “harassment, alarm or distress”.

Worthing Magistrates’ Court noted that the offence was “aggravated due to hostility towards persons who are transgender”.

It comes after a sharp rise in abuse reported by transgender people in the UK.

Elgy, of Queensdale Crescent, Hammersmith, London, admitted the charge when he appeared in court this month.

Magistrate Andy Tonks ordered him to pay £400 in compensation to the woman over the incident in February.

Elgy was also ordered to pay £85 court costs.