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22/02/2011

We hear the story of a woman who had claimed she'd been raped by her husband, then withdrawn her allegation, and was sent to prison for perverting the course of justice.

Ten years ago Jean Else, a head teacher in Manchester was honoured by the Queen and made a Dame, after turning round a failing school. Following an investigation into appointments at the school she was sacked. Earlier this month she learned her honour had been withdrawn. Does she have any regrets ?

We hear from a woman who had claimed she'd been raped by her husband, then withdrawn her allegation, was sent to prison for perverting the course of justice - she explains her side of the story and the director of public prosecutions tells us why he's now issuing guidelines to judges to make sure women are not withdrawing claims of rape under duress. Plus the legacy of Stella Browne - an early 20th century campaigner for women's reproductive rights - whether married or not .

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Tue 22 Feb 2011 10:00

Chapters

  • Jean Else - losing her Damehood

    Jean Else turned round Whalley Range High School and was made a Dame in recognition of this. But after an investigation she was sacked and her honour was withdrawn. She talks to Jenni.

    Duration: 09:46

  • Withdrawal of rape allegations

    Sarah who was imprisoned for withdrawing her allegation of rape against her husband talks to Jenni. Keir Starmer, Director of Public Prosecutions and Nicola Sharp from Refuge discuss new guidelines.

    Duration: 23:57

  • Stella Browne

    In the early 20th century Stella Browne was ahead of her time in the feminist movement. The historian Lesley Hall talks to Jenni about her new book on Stella Browne.

    Duration: 08:47

Broadcast

  • Tue 22 Feb 2011 10:00

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