UK: Woman in false rape claim jailed for 20 months

Story here. Excerpt:

'Alesha Watkins, 20, claimed Darren Ball, 25, attacked her after a party at Rushden, Northamptonshire, in December 2007.

Mr Ball spent 19 hours in custody and made four court appearances over seven months, Northampton Crown Court heard.

Watkins admitted perverting the course of justice. Judge Charles Wide QC said her lies had left a completely innocent man accused of rape.
...
She had been drinking alcohol and taking cocaine before they became involved in a "play fight" at his home that led to sexual intercourse, the court heard.

Prosecuting, Alex Bull said: "She said she had not been raped, and lied because she had regretted having sex with him.
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Reading out a victim impact statement, the lawyer added: "It has had a significant impact on Mr Ball.

"He has had difficulties in his relationship since this time. He began to drink heavily.

"He said he began to feel suicidal. He's now in a relationship but blames this on his break-up with his ex-partner. He now only sees his children on school holidays." '