A DATE has been set for the sentencing of a Cornwall woman who pleaded guilty to perverting the course of public justice by making a false complaint to police regarding a sexual assault. 

Amee Louise Bettison, aged 29, of Pool Street in Bodmin, appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday, January 27 on one count of committing an act or series of acts with intent to pervert the course of public justice.

The offence took place between October 12, 2016, and January 19, 2017 in Bodmin where Bettison, with the intent to pervert the course of public justice, did a series of acts, namely knowingly made a false complaint to the police that a male victim had committed a serious sexual assault against her on the night of the 11 October 2016.

Bettison maintained that false complaint by providing a video-recorded statement and samples for scientific examination to assist in the investigation and prosecution of the man.

Bettison pleaded guilty to the charge when she appeared at Truro Crown Court on Friday, January 27.

She will be sentenced for the offence on February 24.

According to the sentencing council, perverting the course of justice offences range from giving false information to police officers at a traffic stop to avoid prosecution, to fabricating evidence designed to incriminate an innocent person.

In 2020, around 400 offenders were sentenced for perverting the course of justice under common law.