Eleanor Williams, a 24-year-old from Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, has been released early from prison after being jailed for fabricating claims of abuse and rape by an alleged grooming gang.
Her false accusations, which included sharing graphic images of self-inflicted injuries on Facebook in 2020, initially sparked widespread outrage and led to a “Justice for Ellie” campaign that drew over 100,000 supporters online. The case also attracted far-right groups after Williams suggested an Asian grooming gang was responsible.
Williams was convicted of eight counts of perverting the course of justice in 2023 at Preston Crown Court and sentenced to eight and a half years. The court heard that her deceit had devastating consequences for her victims, with three men attempting suicide and one spending 73 days in jail. The judge described the impact on the victims as “hell on earth.”
Her unexpected early release, ahead of serving half her sentence, has drawn criticism from residents of Barrow. One local commenter called it “absolutely disgusting,” arguing she had served far too little time for the harm caused.
The Ministry of Justice confirmed her release and stated that individuals freed on licence are subject to probation supervision and strict conditions, including curfews, travel restrictions and monitoring.
Williams also remains under a five-year serious crime prevention order to protect the public, effective from February 17, 2023.
During her trial, evidence revealed Williams fabricated her claims, including injuring herself with a hammer to support her lies. CCTV footage showed her alone in Preston, contradicting her allegations.
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