A mother from Bolton who fabricated rape allegations against ten different men, causing significant distress and wasting substantial public funds, is now confronting a prison sentence after admitting to multiple charges of perverting the course of justice. Stacy Sharples, aged from Farnworth, Bolton, entered guilty pleas to ten counts of the serious offence at Bolton Crown Court, with her sentencing scheduled for this Wednesday.
The False Allegations and Their Impact
The court heard harrowing details of how Sharples' web of lies led to innocent men being arrested, spending hours in police custody, and enduring months on bail or under investigation. Her actions reportedly drained approximately £120,000 from the public purse, diverting crucial police resources away from genuine crimes and victims. Judge Nicholas Clarke KC described Sharples as a "sexual predator" whose behaviour has undermined trust in the criminal justice system.
Victims' Ordeals Detailed in Court
Prosecutor Mark Monaghan outlined a series of incidents spanning from 2013 to 2019. The first victim, Kaylum Davies, was arrested after Sharples falsely claimed he and others forced her into a sex act on Boxing Day 2013. He spent eighteen months on bail despite no evidence supporting the allegation.
Subsequent victims included James Blundell, who met Sharples through Plenty of Fish and had consensual sex before she accused him of rape, leading to seventeen hours in custody. Astron Inman was arrested after a consensual encounter initiated by Sharples sending a topless photo; he provided Facebook messages that exposed her lies.
Andrew Dearden was arrested at a Cash Generator shop after Sharples called police alleging rape, while Reece Lockett and Conor Austin were accused after a walk at a reservoir, with Lockett later confronting Sharples in the street. Anthony Green faced allegations of strangulation and biting, which she later retracted.
Andrew Jackson and Jack Byrne were falsely accused after a social visit involving vodka, with forensic tests disproving her claims. The final victim, Lee Dixon, had consensual sex recorded on video, yet Sharples still reported him to police.
Pattern of Deception and Aftermath
Sharples repeatedly refused to attend medical examinations or police interviews, and in one instance, after a victim commented on police investigating her, she bragged, "They're not pressing charges. I've got away with it. Yet again." Her defence lawyer, Hunter Gray, acknowledged the lack of a satisfactory explanation for her actions, noting she struggles to accept full responsibility but has shown some remorse.
The court heard that Sharples has a history of mental health issues, including emotionally unstable personality disorder, which she cited during her arrest. However, Judge Clarke emphasised that her predatory behaviour has caused profound harm not only to the direct victims but also to genuine rape survivors and the integrity of the legal system.
With Sharples remanded in custody ahead of sentencing, the case highlights the severe consequences of false allegations and the importance of safeguarding justice for all involved.
