Police officer jailed after false sexual assault claim

"A police investigation arrested a serving Met Police officer, but he was released the following day after it became apparent that PC Evans had never been stopped, searched or sexually assaulted. Evans was serving with the force's South Area Basic Command Unit at the time she made the allegations."

"A report from the case's investigating officer said about 30 detectives spent a total of 1,500 hours on the case. Evans, who did not attend the hearing, maintained in a written response that the stop took place, adding that she categorically did not allege sexual assault."

"The misconduct hearing found Evans was fully culpable for her actions and the conviction was self-evidently very serious. She was also added to the College of Policing Barred List, meaning she will not be able to work in other forces."

PC Lauren Evans from Maidstone reported in March 2023 that she had been sexually assaulted during a stop by a plain clothed officer. A police investigation determined that no such stop had occurred. Evans was convicted of perverting the course of justice at Southwark Crown Court in December and sentenced to 12 months imprisonment on 2 March. A misconduct hearing in January found her fully culpable and dismissed her without notice. The investigation involved approximately 30 detectives spending 1,500 hours on the case. A serving Met Police officer was initially arrested but released after it became clear Evans had never been stopped or assaulted. Evans was added to the College of Policing Barred List, preventing her from working in other police forces.

Read at www.bbc.com