2010: RAPE LIES TEENAGER JAILED FOR 12 MONTHS
An 18-year-old teenager received a 12-month jail sentence after falsely claiming she had been raped by her former boyfriend.It was revealed in Bolton Crown Court that she had actually engaged in consensual sex with him and reported the assault out of spite.
Judge Steven Everett told her that her actions were driven by malice and pettiness, noting her intention to cause serious trouble for her ex-partner.
The judge criticized her for undermining the justice system, pointing out that false reports make it more difficult for genuine victims to be believed.
The court heard that the 28-year-old victim was arrested while still inside Bradley’s bedroom, underwent an invasive forensic examination, was interviewed extensively, and detained for 17 hours.
He faced allegations for three months before Bradley finally admitted to officers that she had lied.
Judge Everett acknowledged the trauma this caused him, describing it as likely extremely distressing.
Prosecutor Geoffrey Southcote-Want explained that the victim’s partner called police on April 5, claiming she had been raped.
Officers found Bradley with the victim, and she initially confirmed the assault.
She later met with a specially trained officer from Greater Manchester Police’s Nightingale team, had clothing and samples taken, and visited a sexual assault referral centre for forensic tests.
During police interviews, Bradley repeatedly claimed she was raped, but in June, after contacting the police and withdrawing her statement, she admitted the sex was consensual, explaining she was fed up with her partner wanting sex despite her feelings.
Defence lawyer Andrew Costello stated she was naïve and immature at 18.
Detective Inspector Andy Meeks of Bolton CID emphasized that false allegations harm the justice system and waste resources, stressing the importance of honesty in these cases.
