Abuse survivor charity Maggie Oliver Foundation has said it will not accept any money originally raised for a Walney woman who falsely claimed sexual exploitation by an Asian gang.
Eleanor Williams had tried to implicate several of subjecting her to sexual abuse, violence and rape after hurting herself. Her lies were nailed and Preston Crown Court convicted her of perverting the course of justice.
Before her conviction, a net amount of £21,104 was raised on the crowdfunding website JustGiving to support her. A sum of £1,204 was meant for William’s “counselling or holistic therapy treatment”. The remaining £20,000 which was set aside for her legal help was supposed to be split between the Maggie Oliver Foundation and Women’s Community Matters if no prosecution was brought by July 23 this year.
Maggie Oliver, a former Greater Manchester Police detective who set up the foundation, has declined to accept the money stating it would not be “ethical” to do so.
Jordan Trengove, from Barrow-in-Furness, who spent 10 weeks in prison on remand because of Williams’ claims, said the money should go to a charity supporting falsely implicated people.
“If it was my choice, I would like to give it to a charity for people who are falsely accused, or to give counselling for people who went through an ordeal like me,” Trengove told the Guardian.
He said he didn’t get any help himself.
Conservative politician Shane Yerrell who had started the crowdfunding page believing Williams’ story said the lives of innocent men “turned upside down” and their reputations were destroyed because of her.
JustGiving said the crowdfunding page for Williams closed in 2020 and the firm did not hold the funds in question.
“We are supporting the page owner and understand he is trying to recoup the funds and distribute them to an appropriate, registered charity,” its spokesperson said.
Charity not to accept funds raised for Eleanor Williams who falsely claimed she was raped by Asian gang
Jordan Trengove, from Barrow-in-Furness, who spent 10 weeks in prison on remand because of Williams' claims, said the money should go to a charity supporting falsely implicated people.
Dharavi slum in Mumbai
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session. (Photo: Hertfordshire Police /Handout via REUTERS)
Man pleads not guilty to murder of BBC presenter's family
A 26-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to charges of murdering the wife and two daughters of BBC sports commentator John Hunt in a crossbow and knife attack.
Kyle Clifford, who also faces charges of rape, appeared via video link at Cambridge Crown Court on Thursday.
Clifford, arrested in July after a manhunt, is charged with three counts of murder, one count each of rape and false imprisonment, and two counts of possessing offensive weapons – a 10-inch knife and a crossbow.
During the hearing, Clifford denied all the charges except for the rape charge, which was added to the indictment at the session.
He is expected to enter a plea for that charge at a later date.
The victims were Carol Hunt, 61, wife of horseracing commentator John Hunt, and their daughters Louise, 25, and Hannah, 28.
An earlier hearing revealed that Louise had been found tied up and that both she and her sister had been shot with a crossbow, while their mother had been stabbed with a knife.
The fatal attack occurred at the family’s home in Bushey, a commuter town near Watford, northwest of London.
(With inputs from AFP)