Dundee sex assault liar is freed five days into six-month sentence

A Dundee mother who admitted making up a sex attack allegation has been released just five days into her six-month jail term.

Joanna Robertson, whose actions led to an innocent man being held in custody for 12 hours, is understood to have moved to Hitchin in Hertfordshire while she prepares to launch an appeal against her sentence.

Robertson’s solicitor, Kevin Hampton, confirmed the 25-year-old had been released pending an appeal.

First offender Robertson, 25, was jailed for wasting police time after she falsely claimed she had been stalked through the city centre before being sexually assaulted in a lane.

Robertson, of Leith Walk, twice told police in interviews that the assault had taken place on July 6 last year, despite officers casting doubts on her story, and she only admitted her guilt at court last month.

Sentencing Robertson last month, Sheriff McFarlane told her: “This could have been partially purged if you had come clean on July 8, but you did not.

“I believe there is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”