A WOMAN who admits making a false report to police of being a victim of crime was told it is “highly likely” she will receive a prison sentence.

The warning was given by Judge Ray Singh after Emma Mary Thompson admitted a single charge of doing an act tending, or intended to pervert the course of public justice, at a plea hearing at Durham Crown Court.

It is said that on November 3, 2020, she falsely reported to police that her home had been burgled and her car had been stolen.

Her counsel, Tony Davis, asked for preparation of a Probation Service background report on his client, a mother-of-two in full-time employment, before she is sentenced.

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Judge Singh agreed to adjourn the hearing for that report to be drawn up prior to sentencing Thompson.

But he told her: “You have pleaded guilty and I have noted an indication you would plead guilty and, therefore, receive one-third credit on sentence.

“This is an extremely serious offence and undoubtedly a custodial sentence is the sentence the court should pass in such a case and may pass in this case.

“What you need to know is the mere fact I’m adjourning and bailing you for a report, please don’t read anything into that.

“It’s highly likely you will be going to prison, so make plans for when you come back to court.”

The 37-year-old defendant, of Little Burn Way, Pelton Fell, near Chester-le-Street, was bailed to return to court for sentence on March 30.

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