A Bolton mother has admitted fabricating rape allegations against 10 men, in what a judge called a “wicked pack of lies.” Stacy Sharples’ false claims led to hours of police custody and months of stress for the innocent men involved.
Men Suffered Months of Police Scrutiny
At Bolton Crown Court, prosecutors revealed that some men were held for hours while others stayed on bail or were under investigation for months. None were ever charged. Some had consensual sex with Sharples; others had no contact at all.
In a shocking twist, one cleared man later bumped into Sharples on the street. She fled into a chip shop and dialled 999, falsely claiming he threatened to kill her. When he pointed out the police were investigating her, Sharples smugly said: “They’re not pressing charges. I’ve got away with it. Yet again.”
£120,000 Cost to the Public
Sharples has pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice. The false allegations are said to have cost taxpayers around £120,000. Although initially charged with 19 counts, only 10 were pursued, which the judge said reflected her “overall criminality.”
Judge Condemns “Wicked Pack of Lies”
Four of the men attended the sentencing hearing. Judge Nicholas Clarke KC said their lives had been “blighted by unfortunate allegations… none of which are true at all.”
“Only belatedly by her pleas has she now acknowledged that it was all a wicked pack of lies,” the judge added.
Sharples’ lawyer said there was “no satisfactory explanation” for her actions but noted ongoing concerns about her mental health and intellect.
