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A woman was jailed after falsely claiming she was raped as she went on a morning walk in New Brighton.

Jane Fishwick admitted wasting police time over an allegation that she was attacked near to the Derby Pool in August last year.

Police patrols were increased in the area as a result and a Facebook group was set up to bring together women who were too afraid to run or walk alone.

But the case was closed at the start of September, and Merseyside Police said detectives were no longer looking for an attacker.

Fishwick, 45, of Broughton Road, Poulton, appeared at Wirral Magistrates Court last month and pleaded guilty to a charge of causing wasteful employment of the police by knowingly making a false report showing that an offence had been committed.

She was jailed for ten weeks.

Merseyside Police said a detailed investigation had found that Fishwick made a false allegation.

Detective Inspector Susan Ennis said “This sentence has demonstrated the consequences of making any false allegation to police.

“Sexual offences are investigated by specially trained officers who provide that support to the victim whilst ensuring that every step has been made to safeguard them and investigate the offence fully.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure anyone who has suffered a sexual offence that if you can find the courage to come forward and speak to us, we will deal with you sensitively and make sure that reports are properly and thoroughly investigated.”

*For more information on reporting sex offences or obtaining support visit https://merseyside.police.uk/advice-and-protection/crimes-against-people/sexual-violence-exploitation/ or www.Know-org.co.uk