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Bulger killer claim man receives suspended jail term Bulger killer claim man receives suspended jail term
(40 minutes later)
An Essex man who accused a neighbour of being one of James Bulger's killers in a row over parking has received a 12-week suspended jail sentence. An Essex man who accused a neighbour of being one of James Bulger's killers has received a 12-week suspended jail term.
Spencer Payne, 44, admitted posting a message on Facebook saying a man in his block of flats in Parsons Field, Dedham was child murderer Robert Thompson.Spencer Payne, 44, admitted posting a message on Facebook saying a man in his block of flats in Parsons Field, Dedham was child murderer Robert Thompson.
Colchester Magistrates' Court was told Payne's post claimed Robert Thompson was in hiding with his wife and baby. Payne had posted the claim after arguing with his neighbour Gregory Filby about parking, Colchester Magistrates' Court was told.
A police officer saw the post and alerted the victim.A police officer saw the post and alerted the victim.
Within 24 hours of being spoken to by police, Payne removed the post and wrote another message saying he was wrong.Within 24 hours of being spoken to by police, Payne removed the post and wrote another message saying he was wrong.
His solicitor told the court at an earlier hearing his client was mentally ill.His solicitor told the court at an earlier hearing his client was mentally ill.
Victim terrifiedVictim terrified
Prosecutor Sharon Hall told the court that victim Gregory Filby had been left terrified to leave the house and unable to sleep at night for fear of vigilante attacks. Prosecutor Sharon Hall told the court that Mr Filby had been left terrified to leave the house and unable to sleep at night for fear of vigilante attacks.
The message gave the precise address and said: "Convicted paedophile Robert Thompson is living in hiding with his wife and baby in the flat upstairs."The message gave the precise address and said: "Convicted paedophile Robert Thompson is living in hiding with his wife and baby in the flat upstairs."
Mrs Hall said: "In a victim impact statement he said he (Mr Filby) feared for his wife and baby's safety.Mrs Hall said: "In a victim impact statement he said he (Mr Filby) feared for his wife and baby's safety.
"He was embarrassed to leave the house and was worried he might be stabbed or shot by somebody who believed the message.""He was embarrassed to leave the house and was worried he might be stabbed or shot by somebody who believed the message."
At Colchester Magistrates Court Payne, who had pleaded guilty to sending a communication conveying an offensive message, was given a 12-week sentence, which was suspended for a year. Payne was told he must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and was made subject to a restraining order.
He must also carry out 120 hours of unpaid work and was made subject to a restraining order.