Woman made up rape story to police

A WOMAN who repeatedly lied to police about being raped has been convicted of perverting the course of justice.

Sarah Wood (23), of Romford Close, Primrose Bank, Oldham, was given a 12-month sentence, suspended for a year, at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday after admitting the offence.

She sparked a rape investigation after claiming to have been attacked by two men.

Wood contacted police shortly after 2am on March 7, last year, and stated that the men had raped her near Emmott Way a short time earlier as she walked home following a night out in Oldham.

GMP sends a team of highly trained detectives to investigate reports of rape and specially-trained officers to give help to the victim, who is also offered support from specialist services.

Wood maintained her account during both a video interview with police officers and a subsequent attendance at St Mary’s Hospital, utilising both their medical and counselling services.

But her story began to unravel and the subsequent investigation disproved her account of what happened. She continued to lie to police and only admitted the offence following legal advice.

Detective Sergeant Jason Byrne, from the Sexual Offences Unit at Oldham police, said: “Wood repeatedly lied to police, prompting a thorough investigation at considerable expense.

“A number of officers spent many hours on this investigation when they could have been better served out in our communities. She has also wasted valuable resources at St Mary’s. To lie about something as serious as being raped really undermines the awful experiences of genuine victims.

“I want to stress that we treat all reports of rape extremely seriously and I would hope Wood’s foolish and reckless actions do not discourage genuine victims from coming forward.”

Victims of rape or sexual assault can contact GMP on 0161-872 5050 or 999 in an emergency. St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester, can be contacted on 0161-276 6515.