THE boyfriend of Anthea Jane Jones, who was cleared of plotting to kill her millionaire husband, says her trial cost more than £1 million.

Keith Meloy has made an official complaint saying her trial was a waste of taxpayers' money and of police time.

Mrs Jones, 37, formerly of Black Rock, Clydach, was acquitted earlier this month of soliciting one of her lovers to kill Francis Jones, 60, a Llanhilleth pharmacist.

Now Mr Meloy has complained to both the Independent Police Complaints Commission and Mike Tonge, Chief Constable of Gwent Police.

Speaking exclusively to the Argus, Mr Meloy agreed there should have been an investigation but said the case against Ms Jones should never have reached court because of the lack of evidence.

Mr Meloy, 43, formerly of Orchard Street and Barrack Hill, Newport, claims he was told during a police interview that the investigation, nicknamed Operation Raincoat, cost more than £1 million and involved three police forces and 35 officers involved.

"I used to pay council tax in Gwent and think this has been a terrible mismanagement of people's money," he said.

"It should have never made it to court. A huge amount has been spent for nothing and it has undermined my confidence in the police. Jane is a beautiful, gentle soul who focuses most of her energy on caring for her disabled child - it was obvious she was never capable of hurting anybody."

Mrs Jones, who confessed to being a "hussy" during the court case, is still married to Mr Jones.

Mr Meloy, who now lives with Mrs Jones and her son Alex in Sherborne, Dorset, sat outside the court throughout the eight-day hearing.

The court was told about her string of affairs, including how she had sex with a Cwmbran builder and with Abergavenny fishmonger Richard Gafney in his shop.

"We have always had a supportive and honest relationship so it was nothing new at all," said Mr Meloy, a former psychiatric nurse at St Cadoc's in Caerleon.

"The police came knocking just two months into our relationship. It put a huge strain on our relationship but now we are getting on with our lives. "If we can cope with the pressure of the court case we can cope with anything."

GWENT Police said it will contact Keith Meloy to talk over his concerns. A spokesman for the force confirmed it had received a letter of complaint from Mr Meloy.

"The serious allegation in this case, that of soliciting murder, needed to be investigated fully," she said.

"The Crown Prosecution Service, having considered all of the evidence available, shared our view that this matter should be put before the court for its consideration.

"The final cost of this investigation is not available at this time, however in deciding the resources committed to any inquiry, careful consideration is given to the seriousness of the offence under investigation and to the perceived threat to members of the public.

"Clearly allegations of soliciting murder will require thorough investigation.

"We will be contacting Mr Meloy to discuss the issues raised in his letter in more detail."