A woman who made a false allegation that her ex-partner robbed her “for attention” has been given a suspended prison sentence. Leanne Sheldon, 42, claimed her former boyfriend attacked her near Swansea's main bus station, but CCTV and number plate recognition cameras showed the claim to be untrue.
Investigation disproved allegation
Abul Hussain, prosecuting, told Swansea Crown Court that on September 8 last year, Sheldon contacted police to say her ex-partner David McBride had threatened and robbed her as she left Swansea bus station. She later gave a statement claiming she was walking towards the Tesco supermarket outside the bus station when her ex grabbed her, pushed her to the ground, and took her money.
Police launched an investigation and seized CCTV footage from around the bus station and supermarket. The footage showed Sheldon arriving at the bus station, waiting in the waiting area, and then catching another bus. Automatic number plate recognition cameras showed Mr McBride's car had not left the Lancashire area.
Apology and arrest
When police spoke to Sheldon over the phone, she apologised for making up the allegation, saying she had done it “for attention”. Her comments raised concerns for her welfare, and a search was launched to find her. She was located and arrested on September 10, taken to hospital, and interviewed the following day, where she again apologised for the false report.
Sheldon, of Sydney Street, Darwen, Lancashire, had previously pleaded guilty to the Common Law offence of doing an act with intent to pervert the course of justice. She has two previous convictions, including arson from 2004.
Sentencing
Stephen Thomas, for Sheldon, said she understood the offence was always treated seriously and that the only question for the court was whether the inevitable custodial sentence could be suspended. He said reports detailed her “complex mental health needs”.
Recorder Christian Jowett said perverting the course of justice was a serious offence, and that the false report had led police to carry out enquiries over several days and to an innocent man falling under suspicion. He noted the pre-sentence, psychiatric, and mental health reports, as well as her “difficult background”.
With a one-third discount for her guilty plea, Sheldon was sentenced to 10 months in prison, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to complete a rehabilitation course.
