A WOMAN who sent thousands of pounds to aid her husband after he fled the country facing with indecent images charges has been spared jail.

Phoebe McKenzie, of Winterbourne Close, Bicester, had denied one count of perverting the course of justice but was convicted by a jury last month.

The 42-year old was convicted of sending her on-the-run husband about £2,400 via Western Union payments between September 8 2016 and January 9 2017.

At her sentencing at Oxford Crown Court yesterday McKenzie broke down in tears as Judge Ian Pringle said that she had been 'in the thrall' of her husband who is still yet to face trial.

He said: "What is clear is that you had no real defence in this case and you fought it in any event.

"You were in the thrall of your husband despite the fact he had been accessing images of children, something that should have alerted you straight away.

"I am glad you are now going to accept that has a case to answer."

In mitigation, Graham Logan, defending, added that his client had 'lost everything' since her conviction, including her job working at the Co-Op.

She was ultimately given an eight month jail term, suspended for two years.

She must also carry out 150 hours of unpaid work and a rehabilitation activity requirement for 25 days.