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.

File on 4 Investigates programme

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.

Maybe it's just me, but I cannot understand how, if a man admits to breaching the boundaries for consent to sex, that he should not be prosecuted for rape. Instead, 'Ruth' ends up being prosecuted for lying about her rape allegation!