A WOMAN cried rape by a former boyfriend to get sympathy from police after she was arrested for shoplifting, a court heard.

Tina Pemble gave an exact date and time when she claimed Sean Cotton had attacked her at her home in Kitchener Avenue, Gravesend.

But Mr Cotton was at home in bed at the time and his “watertight” alibi was supported by his girlfriend Jan French and a neighbour who was visiting their home, a jury at Maidstone Crown Court was told.

Andrew Espley, prosecuting, said it was the second time Pemble, 43, had falsely accused Mr Cotton of raping her.

They started a relationship in 1995. They lived together and things became volatile. In February 2002, she made the first rape complaint, but a medical examination revealed no traces of intercourse. Mr Cotton was not charged.

Pemble had been arrested on suspicion of shoplifting at Asda, in Gravesend, on May 19, 2006, when she alleged Mr Cotton went to her home posing as a delivery man and raped her.

Pemble denies perverting the course of justice. The trial continues.