A gundog breeder who carried out a campaign of intimidation against a couple who bought a Cumbrian fish farm that he wanted, has been told he faces a jail sentence.

Robert Walker, 50, was described by detectives after the case as a devious man who falsely branded his victims with the "worst slur" possible - that they were paedophiles.

He had distributed leaflets around the Cumbrian village of Longtown where Sid and Margaret Boulter had bought a commercial fish farm used by anglers.

The jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him guilty by a majority of 10-2 of two counts of harassment and one of illegally possessing explosives.

This was a case of vicious, systematic mental torture on the Boulters

Detective Sergeant Peter Proud

A pipe bomb was also discovered at his farm when police went to question Walker, 50, of New Ivesley Farm, near Esh Winning, County Durham,

Judge Tim Hewitt today told the defendant: "A custodial sentence of some length is obviously inevitable bearing in mind the serious nature of these crimes."

Walker was remanded in custody at the end of a three-week trial.

The leaflets, thrown from his car, accused the couple of being child abusers and urged the public to "close down" the fish farm.

'Totally exonerated'

The notes, which appeared to be written using a stencil, told the family they were not welcome and urged them to return to Penrith, Cumbria.

The Boulters' son Dani, then aged 12, was sent a batch of rat poison through the post.

Walker had bid for the fish farm but his efforts to drive down the price led the vendors to look for another buyer.

After the case, Detective Sergeant Peter Proud of Carlisle CID said Walker a "devious, clever man".

The officer said: "The result today has totally exonerated him (Mr Boulter). This was a case of vicious, systematic mental torture on the Boulters."

Walker will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court on 11 October.