Jackie and Stephen Leeming today walked free from court after being sentenced for their part in what the judge described as "repeated and serious dishonesty".

Judge Peter Fox QC, decided not to make them serve jail sentences and did not make them repay the Social Security, or loans they had dishonestly obtained or to pay any of the costs of the long court proceedings against them.

He did this because they had been charged with murder and conspiracy, fraudulent trading, both of which did not result in convictions, and because of a "whispering campaign and innuendo" against them.

He gave the Leemings and management consultant, Malcolm Herbert, a nine month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

Jackie Leeming, aged 56, of Hawthorne Avenue, Haxby, pleaded guilty to two deceptions, Stephen Leeming aged 33, of no fixed abode, but living with his mother when in the York area, pleaded guilty to one deception, two attempted deceptions, and three charges of Social Security fraud. Malcolm Herbert, aged 38, of Stray Road, Heworth, pleaded guilty to one deception and one attempted deception.

At Teesside Crown Court today, Guy Kearl, prosecuting outlined a series of deceptions including a £22,500 car loan, a £149,000 mortgage and incapacity benefit fraud.

Barristers for Jackie Leeming and Malcolm Herbert said that their clients had admitted their crimes in July 1997, when they were questioned about the murder of Jackie's husband, Geoffrey.

The court also heard of the campaign of "whispers" and "innuendo" against all three defendants which started after Geoffrey Leeming's murder and are still continuing.

None of the defendants made a comment as they left a criminal court for the last time. (April 16, 1999)

Above Jayne Leeming arrives with brother Stephen. Left Jackie Leeming arrives at court today

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.