Women arrested for virtual murder

Kills off ex-husband's avatar

24 October 2008 13:14 GMT / By Amy-Mae Elliott

A Japanese woman has been arrested for killing her ex-husband's "Maple Story" avatar.

The 43-year-old woman has been jailed on suspicion of illegally accessing a computer and manipulating electronic data - hacking, basically.

The woman used her hubby's identification and password to log onto "Maple Story" and kill off the virtual character as an act of revenge.

"I was suddenly divorced, without a word of warning. That made me so angry", she's quoted as saying.

The woman has not yet been formally charged, but if convicted could face a prison term of up to five years or a fine up to $5000.