ELEANOR WILLIAMS JAILED OVER FALSE RAPE CLAIMS
A woman who falsely claimed she was raped by multiple men and was trafficked by an Asian grooming gang has received an eight-and-a-half-year prison sentence.Eleanor Williams triggered protests in her hometown of Barrow after posting images on social media that she claimed depicted injuries sustained from beatings.
Preston Crown Court, however, was told she caused these injuries herself using a hammer.
At 22 years old, Williams was convicted of obstructing justice.
During a two-day sentencing hearing, it was revealed that three men falsely accused by Williams over a three-year period attempted to take their own lives after being targeted and enduring what was described as 'hell on earth.' One of these men, Jordan Trengove, spent 73 days imprisoned, sharing a cell with a convicted sex offender after being charged based on Williams' allegations.
The incident began in March 2019 following a night out when Williams, intoxicated, was taken home.
She later accused Mr Trengove of rape that night, and on two subsequent occasions, claiming he attacked her and threatened her with a knife.
Evidence presented in court indicated that Trengove's house was spray-painted with the word 'rapist.' Furthermore, Mohammed Ramzan, a businessman from Barrow whom Williams claimed employed her, was accused of grooming her since she was 12 and forcing her into brothels in Amsterdam.
Ramzan reported receiving numerous death threats via social media.
Williams had narrated to police that she had been taken to Blackpool by Ramzan, where she alleged forced sexual encounters with several men at different addresses.
Nonetheless, police inquiries revealed she traveled to Blackpool alone, stayed in a hotel, bought a Pot Noodle from a nearby shop, and spent time watching YouTube videos.
Additionally, Oliver Gardner recounted that a chance encounter with Williams in Preston resulted in him being accused of being involved in trafficking her and selling her to two Asian men.
As a consequence, Gardner was sectioned under the Mental Health Act.
Judge Robert Altham, the Honorary Recorder of Preston, acknowledged Williams' childhood difficulties and history of self-harm but emphasized the gravity of her false allegations.
He expressed concern over her lack of remorse and the absence of any explanation for her actions.
Describing her claims as 'complete fiction,' he stated: 'Unless and until she provides a reason for her lies, we cannot understand why she fabricated these stories.' The judge highlighted that Williams went to extraordinary lengths, including causing herself injuries, to sustain her false accusations.
Her allegations incited significant unrest in Barrow over four months, with police describing the situation as unprecedented in recent decades.
The court heard that threats were made against local police, with demonstrations organized on retail parks and outside police stations.
Videos of English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson's appearance in the town were also shown.
Judge Altham noted that police faced pressure from those believing they were complicit in a cover-up and from vigilantes feeling unsafe.
Prior to sentencing, Williams read a letter to the court in which she expressed remorse for some of her actions but did not admit guilt.
She was 'devastated' by the trouble caused by her Facebook posts and said she would not have posted if she knew the consequences.
She stated that community disturbances were not initiated by her or her family, emphasizing her regret.
Responding to the case, Trengove expressed skepticism about the length of the sentence and indicated plans to challenge the police.
Ramzan also shared feelings of sadness, expressing uncertainty about recovery for himself and his family, remarking that 'mud sticks' and it might take time to heal.
Williams had earlier been convicted in January on eight counts related to acts aimed at perverting the course of justice, having previously pleaded guilty to one additional count.
She announced an appeal last month.
Superintendent Matthew Pearman of Cumbria Police commented that Williams' allegations were taken with the utmost seriousness, prompting a large-scale investigation.
He characterized the case as complex and tragic, and highlighted the importance of victims coming forward.
He urged individuals who have experienced sexual or physical abuse to report such incidents, assuring them that their calls will be listened to and supported.
