THE WIFE of a convicted paedophile who may be on the run in Ireland has written a letter to the Irish ambassador in London claiming her partner is innocent.

Margaret Gardener, whose husband Roger (pictured) went on the run prior to an arson trial, wrote the letter following reports that he may be on the run in the country.

The Argus reported last week how Gwent detectives are currently awaiting news from the Irish police on whether they will allow Gardener to be extradited back into this country if he is located and arrested there.

Gardener was jailed for 15 months in September 2000 after being convicted of a string of indecent assaults on young girls. He had denied the charges.

He then vanished in 2001 just before he was to stand trial in Cardiff crown court for allegedly staging an arson attack on his own home in High Street, Fleur-de-Lys, Blackwood.

The letter sent to the Irish Embassy has also been copied to the All Parties Committee on Child Abuse, home secretary David Blunkett, Gwent's Chief Constable Keith Turner, Islwyn MP Don Touhig, Islwyn AM Brian Hancock and pressure group South Wales Liberty.

Mrs Gardener wrote: "I am so incensed with the continual barracking of my husband, that I wish to give you the facts from our perspective...

"My life is now to prove our innocence, help change the law and practices, where necessary, and help those in similar situations.

"It is now some 18 months since I heard from Roger and I have had my house repossessed and sold.

"Our belongings are all scattered and trashed throughout the house. The police failed to protect my burnt property from at least seven break-ins and prevent the stealing of all our electrical equipment."

A spokesman for Gwent Police said Mrs Gardener had not lodged any official complaint with them about the burglaries at her flat.

He added: "If she wants to make a complaint she should go through the proper channels."

An Irish Embassy spokesman said it was not policy to comment on any correspondence they may have received.