Wasted police time with 'homophobic attack' claim
A CHILDREN'S entertainer wasted 57 hours of police time when she falsely claimed she had been a victim of two homophobic attacks, the Magistrate's Court heard.
But Jenny Harding's advocate said the 26-year-old, pictured, lied about her dog being hit in the head with a hammer and her van and shed being vandalised when she was going through an 'emotional and psychological crisis'.
The woman's lies sparked public outcry in December last year and people believed her account – some gave donations towards the dog's veterinary bills through animal welfare charities.
It later transpired that the dog's wounds were consistent with an animal attack or a road traffic accident.
Harding was yesterday handed a six-month probation order and was conditionally discharged after swearing on oath to be of good behaviour for one year after she admitted two counts of making a false report.
Prosecution advocate Rory Calderwood said police were called to Harding's home in Torteval on 12 December. She reported that somebody had written the words 'die filthy queer' on her Daihatsu van and that her Patterdale dog, Alice, had sustained a head injury.
Harding had suggested somebody had taken the paint out of her shed and she told officers a hammer had been left on the floor.
'On 15 December, officers were called to say more words had been painted on her property,' said Advocate Calderwood.
The dog was now with the GSPCA and it was hoped it could be rehomed, Advocate Calderwood added.
