Man speaks of 'traumatic' false rape accusation

The taxi driver was accused of rape by one of his passengers in March 2021

A man falsely accused of rape has spoken of his experience after the allegation led to him losing his job and the break down of his marriage.

Emma Bayley, 42, told police a taxi driver had raped her during a journey from Tamworth to Warwick in March 2021 leading to the man's arrest.

Warwickshire Police said the accuser's claims unravelled, and detectives started investigating her for perverting the course of justice.

Bayley, of Chesford Crescent, Warwick, was jailed for three years and nine months in September after admitting committing an act with intent to pervert the course of public justice.

Her victim said dealing with an allegation like that, when he knew he was innocent, was genuinely traumatic.

"I can’t understand why someone would make up an allegation like this, undermining all those genuine victims of rape by doing so," he said.

"I am very grateful to everyone for their hard work and dedication, going above and beyond to fight for justice in this case.

"Had the lies not been uncovered, it is likely I would have been charged with rape, remanded in custody and faced a trial."

Crime intelligence analysts used automatic number plate recognition imagery, phone data and GPS signals to prove the taxi was not stationary for more than 12 seconds during the journey, police said.

Detectives could then prove the attack could not have taken place as described.

Det Sgt Magnus McAuley said cases such as this were rare but taken seriously by the courts.

“The impact this false allegation had on the victim has been immense and I hope he can take some comfort from the sentence handed down as he attempts to rebuild his life."