prison sentence yesterday for wasting their time.

Amy Isabelle Stovell, 54, of St. John's Road, Pembroke told Police that she was pulled from her bike on the corner of Princess and Ewing Street on March 4 in the early hours of the morning, and was beaten and seriously sexually assaulted.

Less than two weeks later, Stovell withdrew the allegation of serious sexual assault, although detectives were believed to have continued the investigation into the physical assault claim which resulted in Stovell needing treatment at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Stovell appeared before Acting Senior Magistrate, Edward King yesterday who said the maximum penalty for making a false report to Police was a $1,200 fine, or six months in prison, or both.

Stovell addressed the court and asked for mercy and leniency, and said she had apologised to the Police officer involved in the investigation.

Mr. King took into consideration Stovell's guilty plea and remorse, but said he could not overlook the gravity of the offence, and said these sorts of accusations had long lasting repercussions.

Mr. King said that such behaviour should be deterred, and said a custodial sentence was appropriate.

Mr. King then sentenced her to three months in prison, suspended for two years, and warned her that if she was convicted in the courts again within those two years, the sentence could be activated.