Strathpeffer woman fined for false rape claim

A YOUNG science student who made false claims of rape and assault to police was fined £300 at Inverness Sheriff Court today.

Emily MacNicol of An-Ard, Upperton Heights of Achterneed, Strathpeffer, made the claims to two Dingwall police officers while at a guest house in Inverness on June 21 last year.

She admitted making the false claims, wasting police time and rendering others to suspicion.

But MacNicol’s solicitor Alison Foggo said it was a "fanciful story" and it was clear that the story had been made up.

She explained to Sheriff Margaret Neilson that MacNicol suffered from a borderline personality disorder, anorexia and depression and what lay behind her claims remained a mystery.

Ms Foggo said the 20-year-old student had been studying bio-chemical science at Strathclyde University but dropped out after one year although her placement was being kept open for her.

The solicitor said she was now home living with her parents but had spent two months as an inpatient in hospital in Aberdeen and a doctor at New Craigs, Hospital in Inverness said she continued to be anxious, suffering depression and anorexia.

MacNicol was not in court and Ms Foggo asked, notwithstanding the gravity of the offence, for the Sheriff to deal with the case by means of financial penalty because MacNicol was not fit for unpaid work.

"She is a troubled and tormented young woman and the ongoing court process is not going to help her nor the people working with her."

Sheriff Neilson agreed and imposed a fine of £300.

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