'I was accused of something so horrific and horrible, it's life changing': Man accused of rape too afraid to leave home

A young man said he's nothing but an "empty shell" after his life was turned upside down when he was accused of rape.

Curtis Gibbins said he lost his best pal of 12 years and lots of other friends when a woman said he'd raped her, then withdrew the allegation.

The 24-year-old, from Port Tennant in Swansea, said he's lost his job and is too afraid to leave his house due to "negative feeling" towards him.

"I've still got this burden that other people think I've done it," he told Wales Online.

"In February this year, I had a call from the police to say that someone had said I raped them.

"I was out with my friends at the time and it put a massive downer on the night, I felt like nothing.

"Something about it just scared me.

"All that was going through my head was 'why would someone do this?'"

Curtis was never arrested or charged and said when the allegations were dropped, it was a "massive relief".

"I was accused of something so horrific and horrible, it’s life changing," he said.

"I’ve lost a lot of friends, I’ve even lost my best friend that I’ve known for 12 years.

"I’ve lost many people in my life because of this and only my true friends have stuck by my side. I thank them all for that.

"I suffer with depression and anxiety but this has pushed me over the edge, I was feeling suicidal.

"I’m not saying I’m perfect but I’m a nice person and I get on with a lot of people."

Usually the outgoing and sociable type, Curtis said he has now become so withdrawn, he barely speaks to his parents or grandparents.

"I was always out with my friends doing something but now I’m an empty shell," he explained.

"I loved going out and having a drink with friends, but now I don’t do anything, I just sit in the house.

"I don’t even talk to my parents or grandparents much – it’s very rare I visit my grandparents and that’s not fair on them."

Curtis claims people have threatened him, and for that reason he is afraid to leave his home.

He said: “I’m still afraid to walk through the city centre on my own and I don’t like catching buses, it’s a massive negative feeling towards me now.

"My friends ask me to go out but I’m very isolated, I’ve got this constant fear on my back that I’m going to run into someone and something is going to be said.

"I’m worried because some people still think that the allegations are true."

He added: “I’ve lost my job and my self esteem has gone down. I also can’t talk to women anymore.

“I can’t do the things that I enjoyed doing, I’ve isolated myself, it’s not healthy.

"I’m going to therapy sessions weekly to help with my anxiety and depression.

“I’m trying to get out but I won’t walk anywhere, I won’t be alone.

"I will only go to friends’ houses if it is outside of Swansea and I get a lift there.”

But Mr Gibbins said he doesn’t want his story to stop people from reporting rape or sexual abuse.

“I don’t want people who have been raped to feel as if they can’t speak out. If you are someone who has been affected by rape or sexual abuse then don’t keep it locked up, please speak to someone about it.”

In reference to the allegation made about Mr Gibbins, a spokesman for South Wales Police said: “An allegation of sexual assault was withdrawn by the reporting person and the matter has now been finalised.”

If you are affected by rape or sexual abuse, there are organisations where you can get support and advice.

Rape Crisis England & Wales is one of the many national organisations offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.

The helpline is on 0808 802 9999 (12pm-2.30pm and 7pm-9.30pm) or see rapecrisis.org.uk.