Terry Harrison lost his home, had his freedom curtailed and rarely saw his two daughters while under police investigation.
The 34-year-old missed family birthdays and a funeral and turned to alcohol and sleeping pills because of the ordeal.
He said: “It was hell. I felt lower than low and at times I honestly felt like killing myself.
“Now it is over I need people to hear my side and accept I am innocent.”
After seeing his accuser jailed for perverting the course of justice last week, Mr Harrison said he is finally starting to rebuild his life.
Shirley Prince, a 42-yearold single mother from Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, said she was raped by Mr Harrison during a house party in May last year.
She later admitted perverting the course of justice and was jailed for three months when she appeared at Durham Crown Court on Tuesday.
More: Northern Echo