Increased Sentence for False Allegations
Stacey Sharples, a 31-year-old resident of Farnworth, Bolton, has had her prison sentence extended by two years and six months after her case was referred to the Court of Appeal under the Unduly Lenient Sentence scheme by the Attorney General, Ellie Reeves KC MP.
The court proceedings revealed that between 2013 and 2020, Sharples engaged with men online, arranged meetings with them in person, and subsequently made false accusations of rape to the police. These allegations were not only repeated but also sustained, leading to a total of eight separate police investigations, which involved ten victims in total.
Impact on Victims and Investigation Costs
The majority of those accused faced arrest and were detained, with the investigations taking months to complete. It is estimated that these inquiries consumed over 550 hours of police resources, emphasising the significant strain placed on law enforcement.
Many victims shared their personal experiences in statements that outlined the profound effects these false allegations had on their lives. They reported losing relationships, facing job disruptions, and experiencing long-term damage to their mental health, which hindered their ability to establish new connections.
Attorney General’s Statement on the Case
Ellie Reeves KC MP addressed the matter, stating, “Stacey Sharples lied, repeatedly and deliberately, causing significant harm to ten victims and wasting hundreds of hours of police time that should have gone towards supporting genuine victims.” She underscored the importance of not allowing such rare cases to deter real victims from coming forward, affirming that every report of rape is treated with the seriousness and care it warrants.
Reeves further stressed that those who aim to exploit or undermine genuine acts of violence against women and girls must face consequences. She commended the police for their thorough investigation and expressed her thoughts for the victims who were wrongfully accused.
Final Sentencing in the Case
On 11 March 2026, Stacey Sharples was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court to four years and six months for ten counts of perverting the course of justice. However, following the appeal on 9 September 2026, her sentence was increased to a total of seven years, reflecting the severity of her actions and their impact on the victims involved.