THE teaching career of a jealous husband is in tatters after he was given a suspended jail sentence for stalking his wife.

Gavin Bowditch, 38, attached a tracker to his wife's car, posed as her to send messages via Facebook and set up a camera in their lounge after he wrongly suspected her of having an affair.

Bowditch, of Bonson Mill Cottage, Fiddington, who has taught at a number of schools in Taunton and across Somerset, has been sentenced to 16 weeks prison suspended for 18 months.

He was also ordered to pay £775 costs and a £115 victim surcharge, told to carry out 150 hours unpaid work in the community, and received a restraining order at his sentencing at Taunton Magistrates' Courts today (Tuesday).

But Bowditch, who had admitted his conduct but denied it amounted to stalking at his trial last month, will not have to pay any compensation after the judge said it would amount to "further victimisation".

James Mumford, defending, told the hearing his client accepts full responsibility for his "unacceptable" actions and has shown "genuine regret and remorse".

Mr Mumford said Bowditch and his wife, Helen, had enjoyed a good relationship until the end of last year, when the former suffered illness, which led to paranoia, anxiety and depression.

The marriage disintegrated after his "disproportionate response to his suspicions" that his wife was cheating on him.

"His mental health has improved, but I suspect his future career as a teacher is going to be heavily handicapped by this conviction," said Mr Mumford. "As of February, he was teaching full time. That is now a career that is probably finished."

District judge David Taylor told Bowditch, who runs a 20-acre smallholding with 30 beef cattle, his "concerted and devious" actions had caused his wife alarm and distress and had an adverse effect on her day to day activities.

Veterinary nurse Mrs Bowditch, who has started divorce proceedings, has since changed her address, phone, car and e-mail address so he can no longer contact her.

The judge said Bowditch had caused his wife even more harm by pleading not guilty and forcing her to give evidence at this trial.

"Maybe you were clutching at straws in a vain attempt to save your career," said the judge.