Fake rape claim Burnley woman is jailed Published duration 17 October 2011

image caption Horrocks' victim said she had shown "no remorse" for her actions

A woman who falsely accused a man of rape has been jailed for two years.

Keeley Horrocks, 20, of Grant Street, Burnley, admitted perverting the course of justice when she appeared at Bolton Crown Court.

Horrocks reported the incident in January 2010, which led to the arrest of the man.

Det Con Chris Whalley said that Horrocks' actions had "made a mockery of the experiences suffered by genuine victims".

Horrocks reported that she had been raped in Rochdale and underwent a full medical examination. The man she accused of the attack was held for around 20 hours in police custody.

He was questioned and his home was searched, before he was released on bail. However, after evidence in the case was reviewed, it emerged that the allegation had been made after the man had texted the woman's ex-boyfriend.

Mr Whalley said that this was the reason for her report and that she had "told a series of malicious lies in a bid to save her relationship with the man she was trying to get back with".

'Humiliating and traumatic'

In a statement, the victim of the false allegation said he was "still traumatised" by what had happened.

"This whole affair has changed my life," he said. "As a single father, I could have lost my daughter.

"When this happened I was put through a humiliating and traumatic ordeal and I am still suffering from the indignity of that experience now.

"She has shown no remorse toward me, but has had plenty of opportunities to admit to what she has done. Sorry would have gone a long way."

Det Con Whalley said: "Countless hours were wasted, all of which could have been spent dealing with a genuine emergency and victim.