A transsexual who threatened a van driver with an air pistol has been sentenced to six months in jail.

Leanne George, 46, a pianist, said she had been abused and heckled by the driver who had tried to run her over and she just wanted to teach him a lesson, Lewes Crown Court heard.

George, of Bellbanks Road, Hailsham, admitted at an earlier hearing possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and smashing the windscreen of the driver's van, which cost £260 to repair.

George, who has no previous convictions, will be released immediately because she has been held in custody at Holloway prison since her arrest on the day of the offences in September.

The court heard the driver, who was unharmed, was terrified and hid in bushes in the street.

Julian Woodbridge, prosecuting, said the driver, who worked for Dynorod, first saw George on September 3 when he was driving along High Street, Hailsham, with his family in his works van.

He said George flagged him down and then started shouting and swearing for no apparent reason.

The following day George falsely claimed she had a blocked drain and called out the firm.

When the driver pulled up outside, George had the pistol, picked up a knife and a 5ft wooden staff, which she used to smash the windscreen.

Jeremy Wainwright, defending, said medical reports showed George was unlikely to be of harm to anyone.