Justice Ann Marie Smith has ruled that community activist Mary John must compensate the woman she spread false information about by paying $6000, along with a $2000 payment to the state.

John pleaded not guilty to sending false information by means of an electronic system for the purpose of causing insult and hatred to a woman.

But after a brief judge alone trial she was convicted of the two charges.

It is alleged that on October 5, 2021, John posted an image of a woman on social media alleging her to be the suspected killer of Piccadilly resident Jane Finch.

John now has to pay a total of $6000 for her crimes.