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A woman who made a false rape claim was branded "wicked" by the judge who jailed her.

Drug addict Samantha Merry, 21, lied about a sex attack after a dealer asked her to. She hoped it would clear a £3,000 debt, Chelmsford crown court heard. Judge Anthony Goldstaub said: "Only inconsistent forensic material meant your wicked deception was revealed." Merry, of Great Baddow, Essex, earlier admitted perverting justice and was jailed for 18 months.