Man involved in smear campaign jailed

A man who launched a smear campaign against his stepsister has been jailed for almost 10 years.

75 year old Raymond Birnie, was involved in disagreements over their late father’s estate in August 2015.

Birnie used an emailed a threatening messages from his brothers account and posted leaflets through to her neighbours in a village near Ely, claiming she and her husband were suspected of being involved in online grooming.

He was also handed an indefinite restraining order against his stepsister.

Detective Sergeant Sean Clery said: “This was an incredibly complex case and Birnie caused immense distress for his relatives by smearing his sister and her husband as paedophiles and trying to frame his own brother.

"The consequences of Birnie’s actions have been life-changing and the damage he has caused is immeasurable.

"I am pleased that justice has prevailed and applaud the victims for having the courage and resilience to endure through what has been a difficult journey.”