Eleanor Williams, 22, (pictured) from Barrow, has been jailed for eight and a half years today (Tuesday 14th March) having been found guilty of perverting the course of justice following her claims that she had been the victim of an Asian grooming gang. Williams was 19 years old when she initially graphically depicted on Facebook how she had been raped and violently beaten. Prior to today’s sentencing, Williams’ trial at Preston Crown Court, during which a wealth of evidence was shared to debunk her ‘web of lies’, lasted 11 weeks.
Her explicit online claims were widely shared more than 100,000 times and sparked national outrage, leading to dangerous racial unrest and a much publicised protest in her hometown of Barrow-in-Furness, which was attended by English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson. A fundraising campaign set up to support Williams raised more than £20,000 and the ‘JusticeForEllie’ campaign saw nationwide protests.
Her lies included telling officers she was forced to the Blackpool area, subjected to violence, threats to kill and she was forced to have sex with eight men.
However, evidence clearly showed her claims were entirely made up. For example, CCTV showed she booked herself into the Blackpool hotel and then stayed inside apart from a brief walk to the shops. CCTV also clearly depicting her in Tesco buying the hammer she would use to harm herself and a packet of Pot Noodles she ate at the same time she claimed she was being held captive.
The fallout from her elaborate tissue of lies saw three of the wrongly accused men try to take their own lives, a curry house attacked by thugs and a Muslim takeaway owner chased down the street by men who poured alcohol on his head.
Sentencing today (Tuesday 14th March) in Preston Crown Court Judge Robert Altham (shown in article images) said there was ‘no explanation’ for Williams’ lies as he criticised her for showing ‘no significant sign of remorse’.
If you have been affected by this story, you can call the Samaritans on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
