A MAN who attacked drag star The Vivienne in Liverpool last year has been handed a suspended prison sentence.

Alan Whitfield, 51, of Tom Mann Close, Liverpool, was sentenced to 12 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on January 5.

The Vivienne, who hails from Colwyn Bay and whose real name is James Lee Williams, 31, reacted to the sentenced by saying: “I have no words” on X (Twitter).

Last month, magistrates ruled the one-punch attack by unemployed scaffolder Whitfield, 51, was homophobic.

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The Vivienne, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in last year’s Dancing On Ice, was targeted while waiting for food at McDonald’s in Edge Lane, Liverpool, on June 16, 2023.

District Judge Paul Healey told Whitfield: “Your behaviour was really appalling.

“The most serious aggravating feature of the offence is the fact that it was motivated by hostility to the victim because of their sexual orientation.”

Whitfield and must abide by a two-year restraining order banning any contact with The Vivienne.

He must complete 12 sessions of mental health treatment and 10 rehabilitation activity requirement days.

Having previously pleaded guilty assault by beating, Whitfield must also pay £300 in compensation to The Vivienne, along with £454 in court costs.

In a victim personal statement read to the court, The Vivienne said: “As a proud gay man, I have never hidden who I am or edited myself.

“It shames me to say at the age of 31, I am for the first time in my life a lot more conscious that I could be attacked at any moment simply for living my authentic life.

“This has caused me stress, anguish and ongoing trauma.”