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The Press
February 5, 2004
False rape allegation 'attention seeking'
by Dean Calcott
A young woman who made a false allegation of rape
appeared to be living a life of fantasy, a court was told.
Natasha Statesman-West, 23, was sentenced to 100 hours community work after
admitting making a false allegation a crime had been committed.
Christchurch District Court Judge Patricia Costigan said Statesman-West made
the serious allegation to Christchurch
police, sparking a long and thorough police investigation which concluded it
was totally without substance.
The inconsistencies in her story alerted police almost immediately but she
insisted the allegations were true, she said.
"You, overall, appear to be leading a life of fantasy," she said.
Statesman-West had also made incorrect statements about her personal life.
"It is attention-seeking behaviour which on this occasion led to serious
repercussions."
She had admitted drug use, and there appeared to be unresolved issues of
grief related to the death of a close relative.
Precious police time had been wasted, and it was difficult to understand her
motivation, the judge said. A deterrent aspect was needed in sentencing.
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