Truth
November 15, 1996
Where's the justice? Make it equal shame for crying wolf
by Leslie Watkins
Shop assistant
James Leggett, 20, wasted police time claiming he was raped. He later admitted
he'd lied and, in fact, he'd punched a "poofter".
In the Wellington District Court last week he was sentenced to six months'
supervision for making a false statement and ordered to reimburse police and
medical-examination costs totalling $2855.
Fair enough. Leggett got what he deserved. He also deserved the greater
punishment of having the spotlight on his shame.
But we seem to have two types of justice--one for lying men and another for
lying women.
He was arrested in August last year and faced the prospect of a ten-year
sentence.
The woman then confessed - her rape story was fantasy. She, like Leggett, was
convicted of making a false statement and sentenced to 150 hours community
service.
She was also ordered to pay Wills reparation of $5000 though clearing his name
cost $20,000.
But the difference between her and Leggett is--her identity is suppressed. She
did more damage than Leggett but her guilt remains secret.