Clearly, Judge, It's NOT A 'Very Unusual Case'...

Thanks to C in the comments here, we have yet another unsavory little tale:

Kirstie Hodgson’s claim led to the arrest of two men, one held for 18 hours amid extensive police inquiries with high-profile media appeals.

And those precious police resources? Squandered:

Six detectives and specialist telecommunications officers were assigned to the investigation, with more police resources deployed for searches, reassurance patrols and to prevent more attacks in the area of the bogus assault.

Forensic samples were sent off costing thousands of pounds, as well as protracted CCTV inquiries, phone tracing and eliminating potential suspects, referrals to support agencies and a “comprehensive forensic strategy”.

Ouch! A veritable fortune, as well as the distress caused to two innocent men.

Clearly, this woman needs locking up help:

Judge Peter Fox QC, the Recorder of Middlesbrough, said: “It’s a very unusual case.”

He told Hodgson: “At least one man was taken into police custody for a significant period of time as a result of your dishonesty.

“Whatever has happened to you, you’re not the only victim in all this. A perfectly innocent man was arrested and taken into police custody and interviewed at length. And that’s what happens when you tell lies to the police.

“You must leave this court realising that it was a very grave wrong that you did. And two wrongs don’t make a right. It mustn’t happen again.”

With few NHS resources to deal with Hodgson’s problems, the judge could only suggest her GP be given a copy of her psychological report.

“You certainly need the help, and that’s the reason why you’re not going to be punished or penalised today,” he added, passing a three-year conditional discharge.

*choke*

I bet this statement was made through gritted teeth:

Detective Inspector Andy Greenwood from Middlesbrough CID said today: “Whilst we would always urge people who are genuine victims of a sexual assault to come forward, anyone who falsely reports such an assault should be aware that their actions can waste a massive amount of police time and resources, diverting officers away from genuine crimes.

“They should also remember that in some cases, a malicious or false allegation could even result in the complainant receiving a custodial sentence.”

Really..?

Presumably, only in the same way that buying a lottery ticket could even result in the owner getting a massive payout...