16 year old girl prosecuted for false rape claim - 01-09-2008

A 16-year-old girl has been handed a referral order for 12 months at Maidstone Crown Court today (1 September) after pleading guilty to perverting the course of justice for making false allegations of rape against an 19 year old man.

This is one of a number of recent cases in Maidstone where false allegations have been made and police are keen to send a message that it has to stop.

Detective Inspector Susie Harper comments: "Rape is a very serious offence which can have a huge impact on the life of the victim.

'It often takes considerable bravery for a rape victim to come forward to report the crime and we always sensitively and thoroughly investigate all reported rape allegations.

'On rare occasions where false rape allegations are made, it wastes not only the police's time, but causes untold grief for the accused, having the potential to ruin their reputation forever. In these instances we will seek to prosecute those who make false claims, as these people undermine the courage of real victims who seek justice."

If you have a local Maidstone event or local Maidstone news you wish to promote, please send the details via e-mail to:

Other News from Maidstone

• Man jailed for 10 years for rape following international manhunt
• Is your business fire safe this Christmas?
• Police call for information after schoolgirl is assaulted at bus stop
• Seventeen arrested in Kent, Sussex and London drug raids Kent Police disrupts organised crime gang
• 18 vehicles seized by police following operation