A University of Cumbria student who fabricated a rape claim during a series of sex attacks in Carlisle has been handed a four-month suspended prison sentence.
Chloe Fox, 20, of Spencer Street, Carlisle, admitted wasting 650 hours of police time by falsely alleging she had been attacked in the city. The journalism student told police she was dragged from Warwick Road into an alley in the early hours of 19 September 2011.
Prosecutor Adrienne Harris told magistrates that officers noticed inconsistencies in Fox's account and asked if she was certain she was telling the truth. CCTV footage showed it took just three minutes for Fox to walk home, insufficient time for the alleged attack. No injuries or forensic evidence were found on her or at the scene.
Fox pleaded guilty to causing wasteful employment of police by knowingly placing a false report. Defence solicitor Carly Lancaster said Fox had no recollection of the night and could not explain her actions. The sentence was suspended to allow Fox to continue her university studies. She was also ordered to complete 180 hours of community service and pay £85 costs.
