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Peter Sullivan has endured nearly four decades behind bars for a crime he insists he did not commit, yet he maintains a surprisingly hopeful outlook on life. Speaking for the first time since his release in May, Sullivan shared that he is eager to reconnect with normal activities, including attending a Liverpool football match at Anfield—a first since his imprisonment began in 1986. That year marked the tragic murder of Diane Sindall in his hometown of Birkenhead, an event that Sullivan only became aware of through a casual remark at a local pub.
Convicted in 1987 at Liverpool Crown Court, Sullivan was sentenced to a life term served in some of the UK’s most secure category A prisons. Throughout his incarceration, he bore the burden of harsh tabloid labels such as “The Beast of Birkenhead,” “The Mersey Ripper,” and “The Wolfman.” Adjusting to life outside prison walls has proven challenging, especially after being cut off from the world during a period of enormous social and technological change. Sullivan reflected on the monumental shifts he witnessed from behind bars, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, which he recalled viewing on a communal prison television.
Since his release, Sullivan has struggled to acclimate to everyday realities that have changed drastically in his absence. He described moments of bewilderment during simple activities such as shopping, struggling to understand self-checkouts and realizing that traditional tools like cheque books have been replaced by smartphone banking apps. His familiarity with modern technology was so limited that he only recently learned to identify smartphones properly, having once mistaken them for small handheld devices because he had never seen anyone talking on mobile phones before. This bewilderment also extended into his early days outside when he experienced institutionalization—such as instinctively sitting on his bed, half-expecting a prison officer to return and lock him back into a cell.
Despite his encouraging demeanor, Sullivan’s hope is clouded by a deep yearning for answers about the miscarriage of justice that cost him nearly 40 years of his life. He remains puzzled about why he still has not received an official apology. “I lost all my freedom, I lost my mother since I’ve been in prison, I lost my father,” he said, reflecting on the personal losses he endured while incarcerated. “It hurts because I wasn’t there for them… I can’t carry on with my life if I can’t get an answer off them,” Sullivan added, pleading for acknowledgement and clarity regarding how he came to be convicted for a murder he denies committing.
In response to the case, Merseyside Police have stated there is “little benefit to be gained for a review of this matter today,” citing the significant changes in investigative techniques and legal developments over the past 40 years. However, some of Sullivan’s claims regarding police misconduct—including allegations of physical abuse and threats—have been forwarded to the Independent Office for Police Conduct for further examination. While the police force stopped short of offering a direct apology, it acknowledged the “grave miscarriage of justice” that occurred.
Looking ahead, Sullivan aspires only to rebuild the life he missed. He expressed a simple desire: “All I want to do now is get on with my own life and carry on as I was before, and live my time out now.” Potential compensation from the government’s miscarriage of justice scheme could help ease his future, though the process is slow and capped at £1.3 million. Unlike guilty prisoners released on parole, Sullivan—an innocent man—does not qualify for automatic housing or living support. He currently leads a modest life, with modest hopes, even as many believe he may be entitled to substantial financial recompense. His lawyer, Sarah Myatt, emphasized the immeasurable toll of his lost decades: “There’s not a figure that you could say that would be enough for losing 38 years of your life.”
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