A man falsely accused of being the head of an Asian gang plans to sue both the police and the Interior Ministry for the distress and damage to his reputation caused by the investigation. Last week, Eleanor Williams was sentenced to eight and a half years’ imprisonment at Preston Crown Court for perverting the course of justice. The 22-year-old had falsely claimed she had been the victim of an Asian grooming gang.
She called Mohammed Ramzan the head of the group and accused him of grooming her from the age of 12.
Mrs. Williams also claimed she was viciously beaten and trafficked to Amsterdam to be sold at a slave auction for €25,000.
Mr Ramzan was subsequently arrested by police while on his way to a cash and carry in July 2019 and was held for 36 hours.
He told a sentencing hearing at Preston Crown Court that Mrs Williams’ lies had made his life “hell on earth” and led him to commit suicide, after his business was ruined and he and his family were brutally abused by the public .
Ramzan said he had received “numerous death threats” from people around the world through social media.
Now the father of four plans to seek redress from the police and the Ministry of the Interior for the emotional trauma he suffered.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily mirrorhe said: “I respect the investigative team, but I feel let down by Barrow Police.
“I received over 500 death threats, but nothing was done, we got no help or support.”
Mr Ramzan added: “My businesses shut down, no one would buy anything from an ice cream van owned by a man who was labeled a pedophile.
“The past four years have felt like a war. I am now £187,000 in debt.
“I think I have PTSD, it broke me emotionally. I’m always tearing up. I wasn’t like this before.”
Ms Williams posted a 1,300-word message on her Facebook page in May 2020, claiming she was the victim of an Asian grooming gang.
READ MORE: Rape fantasist whose false claims led men to attempt suicide jailed
Her post contained horrific images of her apparently assaulted and was shared more than 100,000 times by the public.
Her lies sparked public outcry and sparked racial tension as far-right groups invaded the city.
Indian restaurant owners in the city were repeatedly smashed after a list circulated on Snapchat claiming companies were complicit in Williams’ abuse.
A Muslim restaurateur told The Guardian he lost at least £80,000 worth of customers after being named on the list.
Orders dropped from 70-80 a night to two or three, and he was chased down the street by people on skateboards who used the P-word and sprayed beer in his face.
Cumbria Police acknowledged the impact the case has had on the falsely accused, but defended their actions and said they had no choice but to investigate.
NOT MISSING
Off-duty police officers double stab knife in busy street [NEWS]
Man kills uncle, 4-year-old and boils woman’s heart [REVEAL]
Man with conviction for sex with horse caught crouching behind another horse [SPOTLIGHT]
A police spokesman said: “Those she made allegations against have been arrested and questioned.
“We have provided support or referred individuals to partner agencies and liaised with false allegations.
“The fallout led directly to hate crimes against members of the Asian community, which were investigated.”