A WOMAN accused of making false statements to the police has appeared in court to face a new charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Eleanor Williams, 19, is expected to stand trial in 2021 accused of falsifying evidence against five men between October 2017 and October 2019.

The charges relate to claims of sexual assault, rape and trafficking allegedly made by Williams.

She is currently being held on remand while she awaits trial.

In May 2020, Williams was charged with a further count of attempting to pervert the course of public justice after new evidence came to light.

It is understood the latest charge relates to “a series of acts” including claims she made false statements made to Cumbria Police.

She now faces a total of eight counts of attempting to pervert the course of public justice.

Williams, of Teasdale Road, Walney, appeared at Preston Magistrates Court yesterday to face the new charge but did not enter any plea.

During the brief court appearance, in which Williams appeared over videolink, the teenager spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth and that she understood the court proceedings.

Magistrates said the allegations were so serious they can only be dealt with in the crown court.

Williams has not yet formally entered pleas in respect of any of the allegations, however at a previous court hearing, her defence barrister Louise Blackwell QC said she denies the charges.

No application was made to bail Williams ahead of her next court appearance at Preston Crown Court on November 3.