A VICTIM of hate crime who felt like a prisoner in her own home has urged others not to suffer in silence after finding the confidence to speak out.

Three years ago, justice was finally served for Kimberly Hodson.

The 49-year-old was left traumatised when the window of her home was deliberately smashed.

But this was not the first time she had been targeted.

Other items had been thrown at her home by strangers including eggs and stones.

Kimberley, who knew from an early age that she was trapped in the wrong body, spiralled into a depression.

She said: "I felt completely worthless and very frightened.

"It made me feel very lonely.

"On a couple of occasions complete strangers came up to me in the street and physically spat in my face – they made me feel like I was vermin."

After finally deciding to alert the police, Kimberley was comforted by the actions of officers.

One man who smashed her window with an exercise weight was hauled before the courts to answer to a charge of criminal damage. 

She said: "I went to the police because I realised if I didn't get some help, I wouldn't have survived for much longer.

"I was in danger for my health and my own sanity.

"Since the court case I've moved home with the help of the police.

"I'm now very happy with my life and I feel completely safe." 

Kimberly is due to have full gender reassignment surgery within the next month and is now looking forward to the next chapter of her life.

She hopes by speaking out it will inspire others to put a stop to this type of hate crime. 

She said: "I can't wait to live the rest of my life in the right gender. 

"My advice to anyone who is in the same situation would be 'don't suffer in silence'.

"You can speak to other people and if they feel in danger or unsafe then they should contact the police – they can be very helpful.

"There are quite a few groups and organisations locally too."