Woman jailed for false 'rapist' and 'baby killer' claims against police officer ex-husband

A woman has been jailed for posting a string of lies on social media about her police officer ex-husband, claiming he was a "rapist" and a "baby killer".

Jennifer Pritchard, 47, from Tredegar in Blaenau Gwent, created a Facebook page called "Jen's Justice" where she led a two-month smear campaign against Stephen Pritchard, a South Wales Police officer.

Sgt Pritchard, who said he had been investigated by his force over the false allegations, said he wanted his "life back".

Jennifer Pritchard, who had pleaded guilty on the day of her trial to a malicious communication offence, was sentenced on Friday at Cardiff Crown Court to 18 months in prison.

Pamela Kaiga, for the prosecution, said Pritchard had previously been prosecuted for perverting the course of justice with lies about her ex-husband.

She said Pritchard had been "persecuting" him with repeated faleshoods about domestic violence, rape and being a baby killer.

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," he said.

Sgt Pritchard said he had suffered financially due to the legal costs and had been investigated by his own force over the allegations.

The court heard Jennifer Pritchard also had previous convictions for harassment against another ex-husband in January 2025, and later that year was convicted of making a public nuisance or causing annoyance via a telecommunications system to a different police officer.

Tabitha Walker, defending, said Pritchard was "remorseful for the distress she has caused", and that there was a "realistic prospect of rehabilitation".

But the judge, Recorder Andrew Hammond, said she appeared to "derive satisfaction from the harm you cause".

"You say you're sorry for the harm you've caused, but I don't believe you," he said, adding that he had "not seen any evidence of substance to indicate any real remorse".

"You have a background of inventing false accusations. You present a high risk of harm to your ex-husbands and police officers," Hammond added.

Pritchard was also handed an indefinite restraining order, preventing her from contacting her ex husband.