A TRANSEXUAL set fire to his partner s cuddly toys after their relationship broke down, a court heard yesterday (Thursday 22). Ethan McGuire, formerly known as Emma, torched three stuffed animals - belonging to his girlfriend - at the address they shared

A TRANSEXUAL set fire to his partner's cuddly toys after their relationship broke down, a court heard yesterday (Thursday 22).

Ethan McGuire, formerly known as Emma, torched three stuffed animals - belonging to his girlfriend - at the address they shared in St Neots, Huntingdon Magistrates Court heard.

When Diana Robertson returned to collect her belongings in December last year, McGuire began punching her and smashing more of her possessions.

McGuire, 24, pleaded guilty to assaulting 29-year-old Robertson, arson and criminal damage at the court last Thursday.

John Nooijen, prosecuting, told the court how Ms Robertson had attended McGuire's address in The Crescent on December 17 to collect some personal belongings.

When she arrived, McGuire led her to the back garden and showed her the ashes of her mail and other belongings, including the soft toys, that he had set alight.

He then punched her repeatedly, causing injuries to her face and arm, and began smashing more of her possessions.

It was only the intervention of McGuire's father that allowed Ms Robertson to escape from the property, Mr Nooijen said.

David Potter, mitigating, said McGuire had been very emotional at the time of the assault and had damaged Ms Robertson's property to get back at her after their break up.

Presiding magistrate Derek Rutherford told McGuire he needed to learn to control his emotional violence. He was handed a 12-month community order, ordered to pay £60 compensation to Ms Robertson and £60 prosecution costs.

The couple are now back together and are planning to marry.