A TRANSGENDER teenager attacked a railway worker while struggling with mental health problems caused by his new identity, a sheriff has heard.

The 17-year-old, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, carried out one of the violent attacks at Greenock West railway station.

The youngster, who was born female but identifies as male, lashed out at a member of staff at a train station in June.

Depute fiscal Lindzi Bayne said the attack took place at about 7.10pm on the Saturday night in question as the staff member went to confront a group of youths who were causing a disturbance within the station.

She added: “He approached the accused, who shouted in his face and walked away.

“A couple of minutes later he was walking to the platform near the accused, who punched him to the right side of the face before fleeing the scene.

The court heard the victim contacted British Transport Police to report the assault and an investigation was launched, leading to the teen being detained and charged.

He told officers: “Yes, I punched that man, I’m sorry.”

Sheriff Michael Hanlon was told that there a complex background to the case and that the teenager was 16 at the time of the train station assault.

His lawyer said: “He identifies as male but was born as female.

“This has obviously caused some issues and has caused some mental health issues."

The case was adjourned until next month for background reports before sentencing.