A woman has been cleared of falsely crying rape after the case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Jodie Thomas, of Boxley Road, Penenden Heath, Maidstone, had denied perverting the course of justice in August last year.

She was alleged to have made a false allegation she was sexually assaulted by Nicholas West and forced to perform a sex act on him and that he had intercourse with her against her will, aided and abetted by Adam Crowhurst, which led to their arrest and detention.

Jane Scotchmer, prosecuting, told Maidstone Crown Court that Miss Thomas, 21, had been cautioned and no further evidence was offered against her.

"There were problems with identification," she said.

"The complainants refused to make statements. There were evidential problems."

Entering a not guilty verdict yesterday, Judge Jeremy Carey said: "That is a matter for the prosecuting authority.

"I make no further comment."