A BOURNEMOUTH woman has admitted making a false allegation of attempted rape against two soldiers.

Nicole Richess, 20, was due to stand trial at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday on one count of perverting the course of justice, but changed her plea to guilty that afternoon.

The court heard Richess had met the two soldiers, now aged 23 and 24, on a night out in November 2012. At the time she was 18 years old.

She alleged the pair attempted to rape her, but when questioned by police the soldiers said they had gone to her home and had consensual sexual intercourse.

Representing Richess, Isabelle Gillard said rumours had circulated after the incident and her client's then-boyfriend of three years had asked her about what happened. She told him the false tale and he advised her to report it to the police.

“He says he put some pressure on her to tell the police,” she said.

“When he raised with her what had happened, what the rumours were, she said he hadn't had sexual intercourse with the soldiers.

“What had happened was not something she had consented to.”

Prosecutor Fern Russell said there had been a considerable impact on the two soldiers who had seen their careers interrupted through Army disciplinary proceedings.

Speaking to the Daily Echo after her conviction, the victims, who are now based in Germany and wished to remain anonymous for security reasons, said they were very relieved not to have to go through a trial.

“I have never been so scared in my life, this could have ruined not just my life but that of my family, my friends, my colleagues,” said one.

“It is a big weight off our shoulders today.”

The other said: “There is a stigma attached to you the whole time, but it feels like it is all done now. Hopefully she will get what she deserves.”

The pair said the Army had supported them through the two-year process of the case.

Richess, of Helyar Road, was released on unconditional bail to return to court for sentencing on March 26. She was told a custodial sentence would be considered.