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Rape Accuser Wrongly Charged: Police Probe
12 Feb
Summary
- Woman charged with perverting justice after reporting rape by officer.
- Fake porn audio used to prove consent, defense revealed.
- Independent police conduct body investigating force's actions.
A police force is under investigation for charging a woman with perverting the course of justice after she reported being raped by an officer. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) will examine the actions of Warwickshire Police and their handling of the case.
Ruth, the complainant, was charged in November 2020, nine months after her initial report. She endured a three-year legal battle before being cleared by a jury in April 2023. The prosecution had relied on WhatsApp messages and an audio recording provided by her ex-partner, claiming it proved consent.
However, Ruth's defense barrister presented evidence that the audio recording was of actors in a pornographic film. The court heard Ruth clearly stated she wanted the act to stop if it hurt, and she said 'no'. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 allows for consent with conditions, and if violated, the sex is considered non-consensual.
Following Ruth's acquittal, the judge asked the force to refer itself to the IOPC, which did not occur. Instead, Ruth filed a complaint about the handling of her rape report and her wrongful charge. The IOPC is now conducting an independent investigation into her complaints.
