A DAD whose life was ruined by a sex abuse investigation is to get a £89,000 pay-out.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered a nervous breakdown after an abuse inquiry involving his daughter.

An independent probe since found 'repeated, prolonged and serious' errors in the investigation. A watchdog found examples of 'serious maladministration' by Wrexham social services after the man's sons were wrongly put on the 'at-risk' register.

The Ombudsman was called in after a daughter with mental health problems accused her dad of abusing and raping her.

He also recommended council chiefs apologise to the man for causing him 'needless distress'. The allegations began in 1997 when the girl was 13 and in hospital with a psychiatric disorder.

Four years later she accused her dad of raping her and the council initiated an investigation. The daughter withdrew her allegations and a police investigation was dropped. But the two children were still placed on an at-risk register for 14 months. The dad suffered a nervous breakdown and had to leave his job.

After the probe, Wrexham Council was criticised for failing to properly investigate the girl's complaint. Council chiefs consistently refused to investigate because they said she had not given her consent.

Terry Garner, Wrexham Council strategic director for children and young people said: 'Steps have already been taken by relevant agencies referred to in the report.

'The report and recommendations will be considered by members within the next two months.

'It is important to point out that the local authority has a duty to safeguard and protect children who may be at risk while at the same time considering the rights and responsibilities of parents.

'This was a complex case and a number of actions had already been carried out to address any lessons learned.'