A 44-YEAR-OLD woman who verbally abused a disabled victim has been given a restraining order and electronic tag.

Police have welcomed the sentencing of Emma Robinson, 44, of Leach Lane, Sutton Leach at Liverpool Magistrates' Court.

Robinson had pleaded not guilty to verbally abusing a disabled woman, but was convicted following a trial at Liverpool Magistrates' Court of using a "derogatory term" towards a 38-year-old woman to reference her disability.

The incident took place on April 20 last year.

Robinson was ordered to pay the victim £400 in compensation and court costs of £250.

She was also ordered to complete a six-week community order with an electronic tag curfew, and has been given a two-year restraining order to not approach or communicate with the victim until February 14, 2020.

After the sentencing, Detective Constable Al Russo said: "The offender in this case has been left severely out of pocket and has strict restrictions placed on her movements as a result of her behaviour during this incident.

"The more action we can take against perpetrators, the more confidence we can instil in victims that if they report things to the police we will protect, support them and make it stop.

"Victims can report directly to the police, or via third party reporting centres in fire stations, citizen advice bureaus and hospitals where the information will be passed on."

He added: "Our specially-trained hate crime officers will treat victims who call us with sensitivity and compassion, and in this case the victim was supported by the Anthony Walker Foundation and Daisy UK before and during the trial through the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victim Care Merseyside hate crime support scheme.

"By continuing to encourage greater reporting we can protect and support more victims and make it clear to perpetrators that we will do everything we can to put them before the courts."

Merseyside Police Commissioner Jane Kennedy praised the "real bravery" of the victim in the case.

She said: "Nobody should be subjected to abuse and hate simply because of who they are.

"The sentence handed down to Emma Robinson shows just how seriously hate crime is taken by the police and by the criminal justice system.

"The victim showed real bravery in refusing to accept this abuse. I hope her case will give other people the confidence to come forward, knowing they will be listened to, understood and helped through the process, either by the police or by our dedicated support service.

"I would like to thank Daisy UK and the Anthony Walker Foundation for the care they provided to this lady, as I know they do for many, many others."

Anyone with information on hate crime is asked to contact Merseyside Police's social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or on Facebook to Merseyside Police CC.

People can also call 101 or independent charity Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.