England: False rape accuser jailed after Solicitor General’s referral

Anna Judith Costin, 30, accused her victims of rape, sexual assault, or assault during early 2016. None of the men were charged, but as a result of the false reports some spent time in custody, were harassed by members of the public, or suffered psychologically.

Ms Costin was originally sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court in March, where she was given a sentence of a three-year community order and 60 day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Following the Solicitor General’s reference, the Court of Appeal increased her sentence to four years’ immediate custody.

Commenting on the sentence increase, the Solicitor General said: “False rape allegations have a serious impact not only on the lives of the accused, but can also have an indirect but profoundly damaging effect on genuine victims of rape. It is important that Costin’s sentence reflects the gravity of her crimes.”