Woman who lied about being raped is jailed for 4 years

A WOMAN who had three innocent men arrested after lying about being raped has been jailed for four years.

Anna Costin, 30, originally walked free earlier this year after she admitted seven counts of perverting the course of justice. In 2016, she accused three men of raping her and a fourth of assaulting her in her home. But one of the accused provided a “cast-iron alibi” as he was away on holiday at the time of the alleged offence, a court heard.

Another was proved to be at home eating a takeaway at the time of another reported attack, police confirmed. In January, Costin received a three-year community order at Shrewsbury Crown Court, which was criticised as “unduly lenient”.

Her case reached the Appeal Court following a challenge brought by lawyers for Jeremy Wright QC, the Attorney General. Lady Justice Hallett noted Costin’s history of mental health difficulties but said the Crown Court judge placed too much emphasis on her problems and insufficient emphasis on the consequences for the victims and for the criminal justice system.