18-Year-Old Woman Pleads Guilty to Faking Rape Claim After Night Out Row
An 18-year-old has admitted wasting police time after making a false rape allegation following a spat with her boyfriend in Swindon.
False Claim Sparks Police Investigation
Lauren Skinner accused a stranger of raping her last July after her boyfriend left her alone near a subway underpass off Drakes Way. The claim came after an argument during a night out.
Her boyfriend raised the alarm when she returned home and told him about the alleged attack. Skinner maintained the story with officers and detectives, even undergoing a forensic medical exam.
CCTV Footage Exposes Fabrication
But police quickly uncovered the truth. CCTV from the scene showed no sign of any attack, proving Skinner had made the whole thing up.
She was arrested for perverting the course of justice and confessed during questioning.
Community Order and Unpaid Hours for False Report
At Swindon Magistrates’ Court on 9 March, Skinner was sentenced to a 12-month community order with 100 hours of unpaid work. She was also hit with a £95 victim surcharge and £40 costs.
“This woman has shown little regard for the level of upset she has caused to others,” said DC Chris Hughes.
“Her behaviour could deter genuine victims of rape or sexual assault from reporting crimes out of fear they won’t be believed.”
“We take all reports seriously and urge victims to come forward, no matter how long ago the offence occurred. Call police on 101.”
