A MAN who sent a malicious letter to a neighbour’s boss, accusing the neighbour of abducting a child and being a potential bomber, was sentenced at Barry Magistrates last week.

Peter Lee-Jones, 63, of Llanmead Gardens, Rhoose, wrote to neighbour Clifford Darlington’s employer, claiming to be a colleague.

The letter contained a list of false accusations, including that Mr Darlington had been forced resign from the British Legion in disgrace, and that he had researched explosives on his work computer.

The letter encouraged bosses to examine the computer, saying: "I am really concerned that this man is planning to bomb his neighbour – confirmation of my alarm may be obtained from the memory bank of his work computer."

Lee-Jones pleaded guilty to sending a malicious communication at Barry Magistrates Court in December, and returned for sentencing last week.

He was given a 56-day jail sentence, suspended for 18 months, and was placed under an electronically monitored curfew for 28 days (until February 4, 2009), between 8pm and 6am.

Speaking after the case, Mr Darlington said he was delighted with the outcome.

"The accusation that I was researching making bombs on the internet is an extremely vicious and reckless one, considering my genuine Army record and the fact that I have worked in power stations for 30 years," he said.

"It could have caused a massive waste of valuable police time."