A TEENAGER assaulted a pre-op transsexual in her own home because he thought she was spreading vicious rumours about his family, a court heard.

Richard Cross, 19, of Manor Road, Trowbridge, pleaded guilty to common assault on Lisa Sherman when he appeared before magistrates in Chippenham on Thursday.

Miss Sherman was injured after being pushed and falling over a teddy bear, which was lying on the floor. Cross, who was sentenced to an 18-month conditional discharge, went to Miss Sherman's home about 7.15pm on August 2 to confront her about spreading rumours.

Andy Pritchard, prosecuting, said: "Lisa Sherman was sat at home watching television when Mr Cross knocked on the door and became aggressive, and invited her to hit him.

"He pushed her and she tripped over a teddy bear that was on the floor and suffered grazing and bruising. She was also given more general abuse from Mr Cross although there were no further acts of violence."

Mr Moses, defending, said although an altercation had taken place, Cross had not intended to push Miss Sherman, and there had been an element of provocation.

"He did go there (to Miss Sherman's house) to tell the complainant to stop spreading the news, it was his intention to have a man-to-man chat as it were," Mr Moses said.

"A verbal altercation took place, during which the complainant came close to my client's face, so he pushed her, but it was a slight push. He concedes that if he'd walked away when the argument became heated, we would not be where we are today."

The court heard that Cross takes medication for depression, and on the day of the assault he hadn't taken his tablets, which affected his behaviour.

In addition to the conditional discharge, Cross was also ordered to pay £50 court costs.