A new investigation into the case of Eleanor Williams, who was jailed for falsely accusing Asian men of rape, suggests she may have been a victim of child sexual exploitation and violence by others before her fabricated claims. Williams was sentenced to eight and a half years in prison after falsely alleging she was trafficked and assaulted by an Asian gang in Cumbria.
Her claims, made in Facebook posts in May 2020, went viral and sparked protests and fundraising efforts. She fabricated increasingly serious accusations of rape and sex trafficking over three years, and her case gained widespread attention after she posted images of her injuries. However, a trial at Preston Crown Court found that Williams had inflicted many of her wounds herself, leading to her conviction for perverting the course of justice.
New Evidence of Prior Abuse
The new findings come from a three-part series by Sky News and Sandpaper Films, which reportedly contains previously unheard evidence. A psychiatric report cited in the series, compiled by a forensic psychologist who worked with Williams, indicated she was likely a victim of child sexual exploitation (CSE) and suffered injuries inflicted by others. A medical professional noted in 2019, after Williams made 18 A&E visits, that bruising on her body did not appear self-inflicted.
Williams' family have maintained that while she told lies, she was also groomed. They have pointed to the conviction of three brothers from Barrow for a 14-year campaign of sexual assaults against children between 1996 and 2010, one of whom, Shaha Joman Miah, was mentioned in Williams' allegations.
Shaha Amran Miah, Shaha Alman Miah, and Shaha Joman Miah were convicted in October 2024 and jailed in February 2025 after a trial. They were found guilty of raping and abusing five young girls between 1996 and 2010. Two of the brothers received life sentences.
Impact of False Accusations
Williams's fabricated accounts led to severe repercussions for innocent individuals. Three men falsely accused over a three-year period were reportedly driven to the brink of suicide. Asian business owners in Barrow also faced significant harassment, threats, and damage to their properties. Faz, a restaurant owner, recounted receiving racist abuse and threats against his family, with his business being named in Williams's accusations. Another business owner, Mohammed Ramzan, accused of trafficking, stated the allegations ruined his reputation, led to death threats, and caused him to self-harm.
Cumbria Police stated that all reports made by Williams were robustly investigated, and their thorough investigative response provided clear evidence of her fabrications. The force also addressed allegations concerning the Miah brothers, noting that Williams did not make direct reports to the police about them prior to their case being presented to the Crown Prosecution Service. The defense's attempt to introduce the Miah brothers into the trial was not deemed admissible by the judge due to insufficient evidence at the time.
Williams was released from prison in January of the previous year under an early release scheme. The Sky News series, titled "Groomed: The Truth Behind The Lie," is scheduled to be broadcast on Sky Documentaries in August.