London Woman Jailed Six Years in Hong Kong Over False Rape Claim

(Isabel Rose. Photo Credit: Standard News)

Hong Kong has sentenced a London woman who falsely accused a banker of rape to six years in prison.

After a six-day trial in March, Isabel Rose, 26, of Hackney, east London, was found guilty of extortion and perverting the course of justice for seeking £100,000 from the man she accused.

Rose had “not shown any remorse for her wicked behavior,” according to District Judge Adriana Tse, who imposed the punishment on Wednesday.

The judge described Rose as a “honest, credible, and reliable witness” and stated that it was “crystal clear” that Rose had requested the money from the accused.

Early in 2024, Rose went to Hong Kong to see a British man she had met while visiting Thailand.

The man was arrested when she told the police she had been raped, but he was eventually freed without being charged.

Instead, Rose was charged by prosecutors with extorting up to £100,000 ($133,000) from the guy by threatening to fabricate a rape accusation.

The prosecution was found to have proven both accusations beyond a reasonable doubt by the court following a trial at Wanchai District Court.

Judge Tse stated on Wednesday that Rose had manipulated the accused, demanded money, and intentionally made a false accusation that resulted in his detention by taking advantage of their romantic attachment.

WhatsApp communications that were exchanged in the hours and days following the alleged rape were previously displayed to the court.

Rose stated in one letter, “I didn’t want to have sex, but you violated me last night.”

“It’s not an excuse, and I know it doesn’t make it any better,” he said in response. “I’m really deeply sorry, I was slightly drunk and I misread your signals.”

Before Rose asked for a further £5,000, he gave her £5,000. She said the money was for travel, lodging, and medical expenses.

“You’ve given 10% of what I’m owed,” she wrote in a subsequent message. I have lost all of my soul.