Huntingdon woman lied about serious assault by ex-partner
A woman has been sentenced after falsely claiming her ex-partner assaulted her on a footpath in Huntingdon, when in fact she caused her own injuries.
Last updated 2nd Jul 2025
A woman who told police she had been seriously assaulted by her ex-partner has been sentenced for making a false report.
The incident was reported to have happened on 15 January 2024 on a footpath between Desborough Road and Mayfield Road, Huntingdon. Fleur Smith, aged 21, claimed to officers on 22 February that her former partner had caused facial injuries, a fractured collarbone, bruised ribs and a possibly fractured cheekbone.
Medical reports did not support her account, and police enquiries later revealed she had not been in contact with the man since 2021.
The accused man was arrested on 5 March 2024. He denied the allegation, telling officers he was at home in St Neots with his current partner at the time and had not spoken to the woman since their relationship ended in 2021.
Smith gave different versions of events to friends, family, and hospital staff. She had also previously told people the man had gone to prison for raping her and was about to be released—this was not true.
Smith went as far as producing a fake letter, which appeared to be from a domestic abuse charity, containing false claims about the man.
She was arrested on 8 May 2024. On Monday (30 June 2025), at Peterborough Crown Court, Smith, of Desborough Road, Huntingdon, was sentenced to eight months in prison, suspended for 18 months. She was also ordered to complete 175 hours of unpaid work and 20 days of rehabilitation activity.
Detective Constable Billie Baker said: “This case highlights the independent nature of the investigation process following evidence regardless of whether that points towards or away from the alleged offender.
“I would like to commend the victim for his bravery in supporting this investigation: the distress caused to those falsely accused cannot and should not be minimised and it is largely as a result of the victim engaging with the police and providing his own evidence that the truth has come to light.
“I would also like to thank all witnesses that provided statements. I appreciate for some this was a challenging position to be in, however, the recognition by all involved parties of the importance of the truth has led to the right outcome being reached.
"I hope this case provides reassurance that, whilst every claim will be taken seriously and fully investigated, we will also take action where the evidence shows that a false allegation has been made.”