Woman given fixed penalty notice for making false sex assault claim

GMP

A woman has been given a fixed penalty notice for lying to police about being sexually assaulted.

Police were called to a house in Heywood shortly before 4.50am on Sunday (13 February 2011) by the woman, who told police she had been sexually assaulted in Bury town centre earlier in the evening.

A specialist officer attended and began an investigation into the allegations.

The woman was found to be lying and was given a fixed penalty notice.

Inspector Stephen Clarke, of the Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "Sexual assault is extremely distressing for genuine victims.

"We are focused and committed to delivering the best service possible to our community and always provide a service that is sensitive and supportive to victims of sexual assaults during what is a very difficult time.

"However, I must stress that false reporting of such matters will not be tolerated. Our officers are trained to identify false reporting and any person who lies to police can expect to be dealt with like any other person who commits a criminal offence."