27 January 2026

38 minutes

Available for over a year

When a woman reported an allegation of rape against a serving police officer, she found herself in the dock, charged with perverting the course of justice. File on 4 Investigates hears how she went from being a potential victim to a suspect accused of lying.

Over the past decade, hundreds of rape complainants in England and Wales have been investigated for making false allegations. The programme examines when and why the justice system turns on those who come forward, and asks whether the safeguards meant to protect potential victims are being properly applied.

Producer: Hayley Mortimer

Presenter: Rebecca Woods

Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford

Production Co-ordinator: Tim Fernley

Editor: Tara McDermott

Details of organisations offering help and support for the issues raised are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline