Women found guilty of false allegations against ex-partner

The determination of officers during a five-year investigation has led to a woman being found guilty of making false allegations against her ex-partner.

Detectives in the force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit (DAIU), did not waiver in their efforts to ensure the right person was punished – after it became clear the woman was accusing her ex-partner of crimes he did not commit.

As a result of her actions, Lucinda Woodward, of Glebeland, Kibworth Harcourt, was yesterday (22 June) found guilty of four counts of perverting the cause of justice following a trial at Leicester Crown Court.

The investigation into the 29-year-old began in 2017 after she reported a number of crimes to police, most notably an arson at her home address in February 2017 – each time indicating her ex-partner was responsible for the crimes.

As a result, he was arrested and officers in the DAIU began to investigate. Following a number of enquiries spanning many weeks, it became clear the incidents were not as reported and that Woodward herself may have committed the offences in an effort to get her ex-partner in trouble with the law.

She was arrested and what followed was a very lengthy investigation which has taken more than five years to be heard in court. It concluded yesterday with Woodward being convicted and sentenced to an 18 months jail term, suspended for 18 months.

DC Glen Williams, the investigating officer, said: “Woodward carried out crimes with the full intention of framing her ex-partner to try and see him jailed for crimes he did not commit.

“On numerous occasions she lied to police but these lies quickly came to light and the focus of the investigation shifted to Woodward. After five years and a very lengthy investigation she has now had to answer for those lies in court.”

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Lindley, the senior investigating officer, said: “The guilty verdict in this case is true testament to the investigating officer and others in the DAIU.

“Their determination and resilience to see this case through has not waivered. They saw through the story they were told and remained resolute that the right person would be put before the court.  I am pleased a guilty verdict has been reached and the work of the team can be acknowledged.”

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