A 21-YEAR-OLD woman has been given a penalty notice for wasting police time after lying to police about a sexual assault.

The woman, from Northallerton in North Yorkshire, claimed to police that she had been attacked by a man who reportedly ripped her clothing in an alleyway.

But investigating the 21-year-old's claim, North Yorkshire Police said they had discovered her allegations were false.

A spokesperson for the force said: “We take all reports of sexual assault seriously and investigate the circumstances fully.

"In this case, it quickly became apparent that the young woman who claimed to be a victim of an attack was making a false report."

The spokesperson said they were publicising the penalty to "reassure" the public of the town.