Malicious ex-wife who made false Facebook claims that her police officer ex-husband is a rapist and child killer is shipped to jail
A malicious ex-wife was jailed for persecuting her policeman ex-husband by making false allegations that he was a rapist and baby killer.
Jennifer Pritchard, 47, carried out a malicious online campaign to ruin the career of Sgt Steve Pritchard, a court heard.
She created a Facebook page called Jen’s Justice and made-up stories about him which were investigated by police.
Prosecutor Pamela Kaiga said: ‘She went onto Facebook to post lies about him over a two-month period.
‘Among the things she said is that he was a rapist and a baby killer.’
It is the second time Pritchard has been jailed for inventing false accusations against her ex.
She was described as ‘presenting a high risk of harm’ to her ex-husband and his colleagues at South Wales Police.
In a victim impact statement Sgt Pritchard said: ‘I was the target of a false and malicious campaign on social media to ruin my career.
‘I’ve suffered anxiety, depression and other health issues. I just want my life back. I don’t think she will ever stop.’
Sgt Pritchard added he had been hit financially by heavy legal costs associated with her offending.
Jennifer Pritchard (pictured), 47, carried out a malicious online campaign to ruin the career of Sgt Steve Pritchard, a court heard
She created a Facebook page called Jen’s Justice and made-up stories about Sgt Steve Pritchard (pictured) which were investigated by police
Pritchard, of Tredegar, South Wales, admitted malicious communications. She has three previous convictions for seven offences.
Tabitha Walker, defending, told Cardiff Crown Court: ‘She is remorseful for the distress she has caused.’
But Judge Andrew Hammond replied: ‘She said she’s glad she did it.’
He told Pritchard: ‘You say you’re sorry for the harm you’ve caused, but I don’t believe you.
‘You have a background of inventing false accusations. I’ve not seen any evidence of substance to indicate any real remorse.
‘This offending amounted to a campaign of persecution against your ex-husband.
‘It has been said that you may derive satisfaction from the harm you cause.
‘You present a high risk of harm to your ex-husband and police officers.’
Pritchard was jailed for 18 months and given an indefinite restraining order preventing her from contacting her ex-husband.
The court heard she was jailed for 12 months in 2022 after being found guilty of perverting the course of justice by plotting to get Sgt Pritchard convicted of stalking.
