A TRANSGENDER waiter has been given a suspended sentence for falsely accusing a gay co-worker of rape.

Lottie Harris, 23, was living as a woman at the time, but has gender dysphoria and now identifies as a man called Lucien.

4 Waiter Harris made life 'hell' for victim Ali Malik after becoming 'infatuated' with him Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

A court heard Harris made life "hell" for victim Ali Malik after becoming "infatuated" with him when they worked together at a restaurant.

Between September 18, 2016 and July 23 last year Harris made 23 fake allegations of rape and assaults against Malik who was arrested on two occasions.

Harris even claimed Malik shoved his penis inside the letterbox of his front door and threatened to slit his throat.

The former university student, of Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, admitted six counts of perverting the course of justice at Worcester Crown Court on Monday.

4 A court heard Harris was living as a woman at the time, but has gender dysphoria and now identifies as a man called Lucien Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

He was handed a two-year prison sentence, suspended for two years, and ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and pay Malik £2,500 compensation.

A judge also slapped him with a restraining order preventing him from contacting Malik.

Although the false rape allegation was not listed on the indictment, it was considered to be an "aggravating factor".

Judge James Tindal said: "It's perfectly obvious that Mr Malik has done nothing that can explain why you have gone on this campaign against him.

4 Harris admitted six counts of perverting the course of justice Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

"Rape is a shameful crime, but a false allegation can have nightmarish consequences for the accused.”

Reading out his victim impact statement in court, Mr Malik said: "I was a very sociable person, but because of these allegations I have lost many friends and become isolated.

"People have looked at me differently and treated me differently.

"I have found myself scared to go out, as I'm looking over my shoulder constantly to see if Lottie is there. I have not been able to live my life as I would like to.

"I feel scarred for life.

Mark Savage, defending, said: "It's clear that Mr Harris is not a young person actuated by malice, but one who is struggling with identity."

4 Harris was slapped with a restraining order and given a two-year suspended sentence Credit: SWNS:South West News Service

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Speaking outside court, Malik said: "Harris formed a weird, romantic fixation.

"I said, 'You're a lesbian and I'm gay', I don't understand the logic behind it.

"People always think women are the victims but it can be the other way around as well."

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