A Greater Manchester woman has been sentenced to four-and-a-half years in prison for making false rape allegations against multiple men. Stacey Sharples, 31, from Farnworth, admitted to ten counts of perverting the course of justice at Bolton Crown Court on Monday, 2 February 2026.
Shock in Bolton as False Rape Claims Uncovered
Between 2013 and 2019, Sharples made bogus rape accusations against ten different men across Greater Manchester. These innocent men faced arrests, custody, invasive medical exams, and lengthy police bail or release under investigation. It wasn’t until careful police scrutiny exposed glaring inconsistencies in Sharples’ stories that real action was taken.
Police Warn of Damage Caused by Fake Claims
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,” said Greater Manchester Police.
The force stressed such cases are rare and that their decision to prosecute Sharples followed careful consideration. Investigating false claims wastes precious time and resources, delaying justice for genuine victims.
Support for Genuine Victims Takes Centre Stage
Since 2021, positive outcomes for rape victims in Greater Manchester have doubled thanks to victim-focused, suspect-targeted policing. Authorities carefully review cases where victims report multiple times, ensuring safeguarding and partnership referrals. Independent cross-border investigations leave no stone unturned.
“Our message to victims and survivors is clear: when you are ready, we are here to listen, support, and act,” police added.
