No jail over false sex claims

A man has been given a suspended jail sentence for defaming a politician in a television interview, four years ago.

Craig Ratcliff, 48, claimed to have evidence the politician had committed sex acts with young boys.

South Australian Supreme Court Justice Anne Vanstone said Ratcliff had been convinced to do the interview by anti-child abuse campaigners Wendy Utting and Barry Standfield.

Justice Vanstone said she had considered in sentencing that Ms Utting and Mr Standfield were acquitted of similar offences last week.

Ratcliff's six-month prison term was suspended in favour of a three-year good behaviour bond.