Prior to the application being refused, defence barrister Sean Mullan accepted that there have been "difficulties" concerning Anderson attending court in the past (stock picture)

A woman awaiting sentence for making a false rape claim to police has been refused bail.

Krystal Alana Anderson (27) made a bail application at Belfast Crown Court yesterday, which was turned down on the grounds that she may fail to attend court for her sentencing.

Prior to the application being refused, defence barrister Sean Mullan accepted that there have been "difficulties" concerning Anderson attending court in the past.

However, he went on to say that if she was granted bail and conditions were imposed such as tagging, police would be aware of her whereabouts.

Informing the court that Anderson has pleaded guilty to a charge of perverting the course of justice on June 5, 2016 by making a false claim that she was raped, Mr Mullan said his client was due to be sentenced on August 28.

During the hearing it emerged that Anderson, from Glenwood Park in Dunmurry, failed to attend court on two previous occasions.

On both occasions she went to Scotland.

Following the second failure to attend court, a warrant was issued and subsequently executed on June 14, and Anderson has been in custody since.

Mr Mullan said Anderson suffered from a personality disorder, and explained that she went to Scotland twice when she was experiencing relationship problems, which caused her to miss her earlier court appearances.

The barrister told Her Honour Judge McCaffrey that while there was "no doubt the court has some concerns about her potential to not turn up for sentencing", these concerns could be addressed by stringent bail conditions.

Opposing Anderson's release, prosecuting barrister Gareth Purvis referred to her absconding on two separate occasions. "If she is released with sentence looming on August 28, she may abscond again," he said.

Judge McCaffrey refused the application, saying that it would not be appropriate given previous issues and the fact that sentencing was so close.

The judge said: "Given the difficulties there have been in the past, and given the sentence date is really quite close - only three weeks away - in the circumstances, it would not be appropriate to grant bail."

Belfast Telegraph