Allegations of Sexual Abuse
	False Allegations
	Nick Wills
	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. Hamilton law student Nick Wills was 21 when his life was devastated by a female's allegation of rape. 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.