A MAN who is living his life as a woman today vowed to stay put in his home despite having his windows smashed by a neighbour.

Philip Holdstock is now known as Christine Holden.

Blackburn magistrates heard how he looked out of his window to see Ian Buxton holding a brick in his hand and shouting "I'm going to get you."

Buxton told police that people were shouting abuse at him because they thought he was confused about his sexuality because he associated with his neighbour.

Buxton, 42, of Holden Fold, Darwen, pleaded guilty to damaging a window belonging to Christine Holden.

He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £35 compensation and £65 costs.

Speaking after the court case Miss Holden said he and Buxton had been friends until recently, when their relationship soured.

But he said it had nothing to do with him changing his name from Philip to Christine.

He said: "There has been no prejudice against me, and I am happy living here.

"I do not bother with most of my neighbours and keep myself to myself, but it was frightening when my window was smashed. I have not seen Mr Buxton since but I don't want to move from here."

Claire Fanning, prosecuting, said Christine Holden changed his name from Philip Holdstock by deed poll in May.

She said that on the day of the incident he was sitting in his living room when he heard a loud bang.

Buxton was arrested and when interviewed said he had smashed the window because he was getting abuse from the aggrieved and from others who thought he associated with him.

Leslie Haliwell, defending, said Buxton and the aggrieved live in the same block of flats.

"People seem to be assuming that my client is also confused about his sexuality and this is causing him some embarrassment," said Miss Haliwell.

"For some reason this gentleman, Miss Holden, constantly knocks on his door and leaves before he answers."

She said that on the day of the offence Buxton had been paid his benefits and had been drinking heavily.