Updated

LONDON -- Britain's Justice Secretary says murderers who single out disabled or transgender people as victims will face harsher sentences in the future.

Ken Clarke said Thursday that those convicted of hate-related crimes against either group would face minimum 30-year jail sentences.

Britain's courts already impose harsh sentences for crimes motivated by racism or homophobia.
Clarke said crimes motivated by hatred of specific groups "leave sections of society living in fear and at risk of unprovoked violence."

The change follows the jailing of 23-year-old Leon Fyle in September for the murder of Destiny Lauren, a pre-operative transgender prostitute.

Fyle was sentenced to a minimum of 21 years, prompting calls for more punitive sentences.