Hate mail minister found guilty
The Rev Janet Magee was yesterday convicted of perverting the course of justice following a six-day trial.
Magee, who was discovered to have sent herself a dead hedgehog, poison pen letters, and made prank calls, was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for a year. She was also ordered to receive 12 months community supervision.
Judge David Tremberg said: "You have sullied the reputation of the ministry for which you have in the past worked with distinction." And, he said, she had insisted on having a trial 'in the teeth of compelling evidence'.
The judge added: "This conviction leaves you in very public disgrace."
Magee (62), of St James' Road, Brigg, was arrested in October 2007.
She remains suspended from preaching at seven churches on the Barton-Upon-Humber and Brigg Methodist Church circuit.
Magee denied sending herself abusive hate mail and phone calls over a four year period and her trial began on October 13.
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