A Hampshire woman is today starting a jail sentence for lying about a rape that saw an innocent man endure a 24-day nightmare.

Roseanne England’s lies led to an entirely innocent man, Derek Cummings being arrested, held in custody for 28 hours and then forced to wait more than three weeks before he was cleared.

England, 21, of Fawley Road, Hythe, who had admitted perverting the course of justice, was imprisoned for 18 months by Judge Keith Cutler at Winchester Crown Court.

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Judge Cutler, recorder of Winchester, said she had let down future victims of real rapes as this case might cast doubt on future complaints.

Mark Florida James, prosecuting, said England had concocted a story of a stranger knocking on her door claiming to need to use her phone.

She told police he had raped her, and she even cut her knickers and herself and damaged the bannister.

England gave a detailed description that led to Mr Cummings, 59, retired Esso engineer, from Fawley being arrested later that day in the Waterside Sports and Social Club.

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He had been walking his cocker spaniel in the New Forest and had no-one to give him an alibi, the court heard.

The court heard the e-fit done by England the following day bore a strong resemblance to Mr Cummings.

He had suffered the ordeal of arrest, giving body samples and having his house searched.

England’s lies sparked a major police operation: 73 members of Hampshire police staff were needlessly diverted; 115 exhibits seized; 54 statements taken; £6,700 wasted on overtime and £6,727 spent on forensic examinations.

Mitigating, Michelle Fawcett said England had been mentally ill. She has since been receiving treatment at The Priory clinic, the court heard.