THIS is the woman who lied to police by telling them she had been ‘violently raped’.

Elizabeth Wilkinson, 21, of Skipton Old Road, Foulridge, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice after claiming she had been sexually attacked by a man at his house in Colne last September.

As a result of her allegation a 23-year-old man from Colne, was arrested and interviewed at Burnley station as police launched an investigation into what they described as an ‘horrific attack’.

But she later admitted lying to her friends and officers about the circumstances surrounding the alleged rape and was charged with perverting the course of justice last December.

The defendant admitted making a false rape allegation against the man between September 28 and October 29 last year.

Wilkinson was due to be sentenced at Burnley Crown Court on Friday, but the hearing has been adjourned until Friday September 10, pending further reports.

She was bailed unconditionally.

At an earlier hearing Judge Andrew Woolman told the defendant she could be given a custodial sentence.

Det Sgt Stephen Holgate of Pendle CID, said: "Offences of rape have a huge impact on the victims leaving emotional scars for years.

"Every effort is made to ensure victims of such crimes have confidence in the police with specially trained officers ensuring the best possible care is given while investigating the matter to the highest standards.

"This is a life-changing offence and is treated as such.

"In making this false allegation, Elizabeth Wilkinson has undermined the genuine victims of this horrific crime.

“An innocent man lost his liberty and has suffered considerable emotional distress as a result of her lies."