The family of a good Samaritan who was falsely accused of raping a mother-of-five he helped have expressed their outrage after the woman was jailed for her malicious lies. Salim Ullah, an innocent father-to-be, encountered Rachael Jones, 38, in a distressed state—drunk, crying, and barefoot on the street—and kindly offered her a ride home.
An Act of Kindness Turned Nightmare
On April 18, 2022, Mr Ullah, 33, was driving in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, when he spotted Jones, who had been ejected from a taxi after a dispute with the driver. Concerned for her safety, he stopped to assist her. However, after he declined her request for a hug upon arrival at her home, Jones entered her residence and fabricated a horrifying story.
False Allegations and Arrest
Jones falsely claimed to police that she had been lured into a car and gang-raped by Mr Ullah and two other Pakistani men in a layby. This led to Mr Ullah being traced through his license plate and arrested at his home. He endured a 30-hour detention in a police cell, underwent intrusive medical examinations, and became the subject of damaging gossip in his community before investigators determined no rape had occurred.
Critical evidence came from Mr Ullah's foresight in recording the encounter on his mobile phone, which he provided to authorities, ultimately exonerating him. A family member, who wished to remain anonymous, stated: "We're just relieved that Salim has cleared his name. He did absolutely nothing wrong. He just tried to help someone in apparent distress, and this case highlights the danger of false stories that could ruin lives."
Devastating Impact on the Accused
In a heartfelt statement, Mr Ullah revealed the profound toll the false accusation took on him and his family. "My wife was six months pregnant at the time, and this allegation brought immense stress," he said. "I should have been fully there for my wife, but we were worried about the outcome of the case. I feared I might miss the birth of our baby, and I feel fortunate I recorded the incident."
He added that the ordeal left him feeling "violated" and believed he was targeted due to his ethnicity. As a result of the court case, Mr Ullah has reportedly moved away from Stoke-on-Trent.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Jones, of Hassall Green, Cheshire, admitted to perverting the course of justice at Chester Crown Court and was sentenced to two years in prison. During sentencing, Judge Steven Everett commended Mr Ullah's exemplary behavior, noting that his act of charity had tragic consequences. "Mr Ullah behaved in an exemplary fashion and did what many people would not have done," the judge said. "Sadly, the reason why many others would not aid a distressed woman is due to what happened to him."
Judge Everett emphasized the broader implications, stating that Jones's actions disservice genuine victims of assault and may deter others from helping those in need. He remarked that it was "fortunate" Mr Ullah recorded the conversation, as without it, he likely would have been prosecuted for rape.
Police Investigation and Apology
Prosecutor Thomas McLoughlin detailed that Jones became argumentative during the taxi ride and was dropped off roadside before Mr Ullah assisted her. She later told police she was raped by three Pakistani men who threatened her, but her account was entirely fabricated. The investigation, while thorough, wasted significant police time and resources.
In mitigation, Jones's counsel, Patrick Williamson, cited her being "in a difficult place." Jones admitted to officers, "I got myself in such a stupid state. I said things I should never have said. I am a silly woman. I am disgusting. I am sorry."
Outside court, Detective Superintendent Helena Banusic of Cheshire Police stated, "There is only one person in this case who needs to apologise, and that is Rachael." She affirmed the police's commitment to investigating all sexual offence reports seriously but hoped this case would not deter genuine victims from coming forward.
This case underscores the severe consequences of false accusations and the importance of evidence in safeguarding innocent individuals.
