According to court records, on 18/4/2022, Rachael Jones, a 38-year-old mother of five, was kicked out of a taxi after arguing with the driver on her way home following a night of drinking with friends.

Salim Ullah, driving past and seeing the woman walking barefoot and crying, became concerned. He kindly stopped his car, offering to drive her home. Upon arrival, Salim declined Rachael's request for a hug. He did not expect that the woman he had just helped would later report to the police that she had been gang-raped by Salim and two other Pakistani men by the roadside.

Rachael falsely claimed she was lured into the car and threatened with death if she did not comply during a 45-minute attack.

Salim, 33, was traced via his license plate and arrested at his home. He was held in police custody for 30 hours and subjected to forensic tests.

Salim was treated as a suspect for four days and became the subject of neighborhood gossip before police concluded that no rape had occurred. He had recorded his encounter with Rachael on his mobile phone and provided the video to the police to help clear his name.

When questioned by police, Rachael admitted fabricating her statement and blamed her lies on intoxication. She apologized to officers, stating: "I have put myself in this stupid situation. I said things I should never have said."

Rachael Jones was jailed for falsely accusing the driver who helped her. Photo: *Cavendish*

On February 5, Rachael was sentenced to two years in prison by Chester Crown Court for perverting the course of justice.

During sentencing, Judge Steven Everett told Rachael: "Salim Ullah behaved impeccably and did what many people would not do, which was to help you. Sadly, the reason why many others would not help a lone woman in distress on the road is because of what happened to him as a result of that very kind act."

According to the judge, Rachael's actions have consequences for those genuinely in need of help on the roads because passing drivers might think, "I don't want to take the risk."

In court, Salim stated he believed he was targeted because of his race, and that the false accusation caused him psychological trauma and significantly impacted his life. "The whole incident made me feel insecure, like everyone was judging and misjudging me," Salim said.

Tue Anh (according to *The Sun*)