A woman from Greater Manchester has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years behind bars after admitting to making false rape allegations against multiple men. Stacey Sharples, 31, from Farnworth, pleaded guilty to ten counts of perverting the course of justice at Bolton Crown Court on Monday, 2 February 2026.
False Allegations Shock Bolton Community
The bogus claims were made between 2013 and 2019, targeting ten separate men across Greater Manchester. Many of these men were arrested, spent time in custody, underwent intimate medical examinations, and endured long periods on police bail or were released under investigation. The police only took action after thorough investigations revealed serious inconsistencies in Sharples’ stories.
Police Warn of Impact and Importance of Genuine Reporting
“False accounts not only devastate the lives of innocent men but also undermine the confidence of real survivors of sexual violence and the integrity of the criminal justice system,” police said in a statement.
Greater Manchester Police stressed that cases like this are rare and that pursuing Sharples was a decision made with great caution. They also highlighted that time and resources spent investigating false claims delay justice for genuine victims.
Support for Real Victims Remains a Priority
The force revealed that since 2021, positive outcomes for rape victims have doubled due to victim-centred, suspect-focused approaches. They conduct thorough reviews when victims make multiple reports, ensuring safeguarding and partnership referrals are in place. Independent reviews are also conducted for cross-border investigations to leave no stone unturned.
“Our message to victims and survivors is clear: when you are ready, we are here to listen, support, and act,” the police added.
