Killer’s mum spared jail over third false rape claim

Article here. Excerpt:

'A mum-of-six previously convicted of lying to police for her killer son has been spared jail despite making her THIRD false rape allegation against the same victim.

Hannah Harkin was handed a suspended sentence at Newry Crown Court after admitting perverting the course of justice by making the bogus claim to police.

The 51-year-old was recently convicted of making two other false rape claims against the same man, who is an ex-partner.

During her sentencing last week, Judge Paul Ramsey QC spared Harkin from jail due to her “very difficult personal circumstances”.

Judge Ramsey said: “It’s clear she has had a very traumatic life including domestic abuse and beatings.'