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No trial for Penticton woman who allegedly made up Christmas break-in story

Jackie Hooper told Global News her home was broken into just days before Christmas. She was charged with falsely reporting a crime, but now this charge has been stayed. Global News

PENTICTON — A Penticton single mother who allegedly lied about a break-in last Christmas will not have to face a judge at trial.

Jackie Hooper told Global News thieves broke into her home, stealing presents and food donations just days before the big holiday. Her story was widely circulated and as a result, there was an enormous outpouring of support from the community.

READ MORE: Penticton woman accused of lying about break-in and stolen Christmas gifts

But the police said there were red flags regarding Hooper’s story.

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“Things just didn’t add up. There were too many inconsistencies with the report, with statements, from interviewing people,” said Rick Dellebuur, a media spokesperson for the Penticton RCMP, in an interview last May.

Hooper was charged with falsely reporting a crime and was scheduled to go to trial on November 30.

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She had previously entered a not guilty plea.

The Crown Prosecutor decided to stay the charge just days before the court date, meaning Hooper did not have to go to trial.

“The Crown concluded the evidence would not be admissible before the court, in other words, it would not be evidence we would be able to put forward as part of the prosecution case. It was evidence that the Crown considered necessary to prove the case,” said Neil MacKenzie, a spokesperson for the Criminal Justice Branch.

MacKenzie said he could not specify on what admissible evidence was missing.

Hooper could not be reached for comment.

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