Made false claims of rape

Sharon Linda Adams (45), who at the time of the offences was living at Hoop Hill Park, Lurgan, was convicted of nine offences of causing wasteful employment of police time.

She made a false report of rape and assault in April 26, 2014, that she had been stabbed and kicked on May 1 that year, rape and assault on May 22, rape and assault on June 17, assault on July 27 and that she had raped someone on September 18, 2014.

Adams also admitted making a false report concerning her safety on January 30, 2015, alleged rape and assault on February 7 in the same year and made a false report that a female had been raped on April 9, 2015.

For each offence she was sentenced to three months in prison with the terms to run concurrently.

She is further charged that between April 29, 2015, and February 24, 2016, she pursued a course of harassment against a female. Her address for this offence is Lough Road, Lurgan.

Her barrister said this charge would be contested and the case was adjourned so that a date could be fixed for a hearing. Sentencing in the other cases had been adjourned from October last year.

The barrister representing Adams said she had substantially adhered to the deferment. He added that she was an alcoholic who had stayed alcohol free for a substantial time but had one lapse this year

The lawyer asked the court to show some discretion and give the defendant a final opportunity.

District Judge, Mrs Bernie Kelly, said she expected Adams to adhere to the letter of the deferment but she was not just on the precipice but dangling a leg over the precipice.

She added that these were very serious offences and Adams had been given the chance to remain alcohol free and behave herself but she managed to breach both of these conditions.

“She was given a chance but didn’t take it,” said Judge Kelly. “She cannot go around behaving in this fashion.”

Later in the court bail was granted for appeal against the sentences and Adams was released pending appeal.