A teenager who spread false allegations on Facebook about the identity James Bulger killer Robert Thompson has been handed a suspended jail sentence.
Wayne Vincent Dale, 19, is the first person to be prosecuted for spreading lies about the identity and location of the hated child murderer.
B+Q store worker Dale appeared before the High Bailiff's Court in Douglas, Isle of Man, where he admitted using "provoking behaviour" by posting messages on Facebook.
On the internet manx-born Dale claimed that a B+Q colleague in Douglas was Robert Thompson - one of two 10-year-olds who murdered James Bulger, 2, in 1993.
Commenting on a Facebook page dedicated to the memory of James Bulger, Dale described the whereabouts of Thompson and Venables as "not so secret".
He wrote "They are living here on the Isle of Man. His name is XXXX XXXXX (name removed) and he works at B+Q. Sick bastard!"
Thompson and Jon Venables were released on parole in 2003 under secret identities that are protected by a High Court order.
The false Facebook "outing" of Thompson quickly spread on the social network and police traced its source to Dale, of Ballacannell Estate in Lonan, IOM.
Detectives established that Dale made the false accusations on two separate occasions on 30th October last year - once on Facebook, and once verbally.
Six-foot tall, dark-haired Dale, appeared in the dock wearing a blue T-shirt and track suit trousers.
Passing sentence, Deputy High Bailiff, Alistair Montgomery said: "You posted on Facebook that Mr Xxxxx was responsible for the killing of James Bulger.
"It is difficult to imagine a worse allegation, given the strong feelings about the killers. Not only did you name Mr Xxxxx you also identified where he could be found.
"You put that person at significant harm. The reason that the killers of James Bulger were given anonymity is that their lives would be a significant risk.
"Your actions were thoroughly reprehensible."
Dale also admitted that while on bail for the offence he stole 1,100 US Dollars from the home of a friend named Paula Bell, with whom he was staying.
Speaking in Dale's defence solicitor Miss Hazel Caroom told the court his actions were the result of mepherdrone and cocaine abuse and the break-up of a relationship with a girl.
She said: "At the height of his drug addiction he was frequently before the court and was jailed in january 2010 for three months for driving while disqualified.
"Mr Dale can fully appreciate the effects of his actions and he appreciates how selfish he was in making these allegations.
"He has allienated himself from his parents who have washed their hands of him.
"He is willing to write a full letter of apology to the two victims. He does not want to go back to prison.
"He is a somewhat immature young man, but he does deserve a chance."
Dale was sentenced to three months imprisonment, suspended for two years. He was also ordered to repay the #900 - the sterling equivalent of the stolen dollars and £75 costs.
Throughout the twenty-minute hearing Dale showed no emotion and dashed away from the court without making any comment.
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