A web developer has walked free from court after creating a website about an ex-client falsely claiming he was a paedophile.
Paul Britton built a website about chartered property surveyor Ian Phipps in 2012 which included the sentence; "My name is Ian Phipps and I am a paedophile", Kingston Crown Court heard.
Mr Britton, who owns web company Origin Design, called the site ianphipps.co.uk and included a photograph of his client.
He initially denied two charges of harassment but eventually pleaded guilty to one harassment charge last year.
At court on Friday, Judge Alexia Durran handed him a two month prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
She also ordered to pay his victim £10,220 in compensation.
Mr Phipps' solicitor, Yair Cohen, said his client, who has been signed off work with stress since the incident, would continue to pursue a civil case against Britton despite the verdict.
He said: "It was really an example of a web designer abusing the responsibility that was put in him - it was an abuse of trust.
"When you wake up one day and see that someone is accusing you of being a paedophile - it is devastating. He will remember that for the rest of his life."
Britton, of Orchard End, Waterstock, Oxford, was also ordered to pay an £80 victim surcharge.
