These are:
- False and distorted memories (a distinctive sub-set in a minority of cases) following psychological therapy
- Malicious allegations following a relationship breakdown, which may occur in contested child custody proceedings
- Financial gain normally by lodging and application with the Criminal Compensation Authority (complainants may receive a standard payment of £22,000 doubling to £44,000 if a complainant has an enduring mental health impairment)
- Pursuing a civil law suite
- A combination of the above
- Police and Prosecution Policy regarding the current policy of ‘believe the victim’ endorsed by the National College of Policing: ‘When an allegation is received, police should believe this account and record it as a crime’ (see the afterword by Dr Michael Norton in Memory and Injustice)
- It is easy to make a false allegation
A notable example illustrating these risks is the case of PC Lauren Evans, who was found guilty of perverting the course of justice after making a false allegation of sexual assault against a colleague.
