Most men might have turned the other cheek and thought what might have been. But Craig Riley took rejection to a new level when his fiancee broke off their engagement.

The 45-year old NHS advisor was so bitter at being dumped by school office manager Paula Wallace, 41, he mounted a vindictive revenge smear campaign in a bid to get her the sack.

In a string of malicious emails to the school's headteacher, Riley wrongly alleged innocent Miss Wallace was a cocaine addict and an alcoholic who beat up and abused her five children and had also stolen school funds.

He also threatened to hand out A4 leaflets about his ex to parents at the tiny 66 pupil Sharneyford Primary School, in Bacup, Lancs saying it was his ''moral duty'' and part of his ''moral compass'' to expose her.

Miss Wallace was horrified when social services turned up at her door over the untrue allegations she was cruel to her children. An internal audit was also carried out at the school which revealed no financial irregularities. No action was taken against Miss Wallace.

Police who investigated Riley discovered he had wanted Miss Wallace dismissed so she would be struggling for money and would be ''driven back into his arms.'' In one email he had sent to school, he claimed he was ''astonished'' she had not been suspended as a result of what he had told them. He also made silent calls to Miss Wallace at school.

The victim, who has worked at the school for three-and-a half years, had to take time off as a result of her ordeal. She later told police how Riley's parting words to her when they split had been :" You f***** up my life ending things with me and I'm going to f*** up yours."

She claimed Riley had been threatening and abusive towards her and she was now ''living in fear'' of him. She said she was anxious and depressed, unable to eat properly and felt physically sick when he kept contacting her.

In a statement Miss Wallace said: ''I now have difficulty sleeping and don't feel safe in my home. I feel felt like a prisoner in it and struggle to venture out without always looking over my shoulder. I was upset and angered by what he said. I feel as though I am having to prove my innocence when we all know I haven't done anything."

At Burnley magistrates court, Riley, a business development manager who advises the NHS, denied harassment but was was convicted after a trial.

Cavendish Press' coverage of the case went in the Daily Mail, Daily Mirror and Sun. If you have a story please contact us on 0161 237 1066 or email [email protected].