A man sent a series of texts to an old friend targeting his sexuality and cross dressing, a court heard.

Richard Carl Jones, 33, lived with the victim at a Macclesfield drug recovery centre and they had been friends for more than 20 years, Macclesfield magistrates were told.

But when the victim left the centre, they fell out and Jones sent him a string of text messages referring to his gender and sexuality.

One asked why he ‘wanted to become a woman’ and another referred to him wearing eye make-up.

The court heard of the impact the texts had on the victim, who says he feels vulnerable about his identity.

The offences are classed as hate crimes because they targeted the victim’s sexuality, the court heard.

Magistrates said the defence’s suggestion that Jones should be let off with a conditional discharge was ‘wholly inappropriate’ and asked for a full probation report before deciding on his sentence.

Prosecuting Kate Marchuk said: “[The victim] describes himself as transgender, homosexual and a transvestite. He finds it difficult to deal with his gender issues and feels vulnerable.

“The defendant sent several text messages referring to his identity issues.

“The first two were about being transgender and the second two about his cross dressing.”

A statement from the victim read to the court said: “The messages upset me a lot. It’s been difficult to deal with my identity issues.

“I feel I’m being bullied and I can’t get close to anyone anymore. I feel suicidal.

“I volunteer at a church helping homeless people but often sit on my own.”

Jones, of Mill Lane, Macclesfield, pleaded guilty to harassment by sending text messages.

Defending Hannah Kelly said: “The four messages are only in a two minute window. This is not harassment which has gone on for hours or weeks.

“Mr Jones is brain damaged after being assaulted in 2012 when he was hit in the head by a house brick. He has suffered many problems since.

“He sometimes says what’s on his mind without thinking. He knows the texts were not appropriate.”

She added that Jones had received prank calls from the victim.

Jones will be sentenced on March 22.