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Andrew Malkinson has expressed a mixture of relief and anger following the conviction of Paul Quinn, the man responsible for a rape that Malkinson was wrongfully imprisoned for. He spent over 17 years behind bars after being mistakenly identified as the perpetrator of a violent 2003 assault in Greater Manchester, a miscarriage of justice that has been regarded as one of the most severe in recent British legal history.
In his first interview since Quinn’s conviction last month, Malkinson told the BBC, “I’ve been cheated, very badly cheated.” While he is thankful that the true offender has finally been brought to justice, he also reflected on the impact the case had on the victim, noting, “I did think, ‘I wonder how she’s feeling now?'” Both he and the victim endured decades of suffering as a result of the wrongful accusation. On the day the 52-year-old Quinn was found guilty of rape, strangulation, and grievous bodily harm, Malkinson was visiting historical sites in Rome, a bittersweet experience marked by resurfacing anger.
Despite his persistent claims of innocence, Malkinson was convicted due to an identification at a police line-up, even though no DNA evidence linked him to the crime. It was not until 2023 that his conviction was overturned after the Crown Prosecution Service acknowledged that DNA found on the victim’s clothing belonged to the actual attacker, Paul Quinn. The Court of Appeal also determined that crucial evidence that could have supported Malkinson’s defense had not been disclosed during his trial. He now awaits the results of a judge-led inquiry examining the reasons behind his wrongful conviction, which will play a significant role in his ongoing pursuit of compensation.
The case has also led to broader scrutiny of the handling of Malkinson’s conviction. An independent report last year heavily criticized the Criminal Cases Review Commission for failing to act on new DNA evidence. Additionally, the Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating Greater Manchester Police and six officers for their role, including concerns over witness treatment, evidence disclosure, and the process surrounding Malkinson’s identification. As the legal and investigative processes continue, Malkinson reflects on the personal toll this injustices have imposed, recalling the challenges of maintaining his fight for justice over two decades and his attempts to rebuild his life since his release in 2020
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