Innocent Man Freed After 38 Years Behind Bars in UK’s Longest Miscarriage of Justice
Peter Sullivan Cleared by Court of Appeal
After nearly four decades locked up for a crime he never committed, Peter Sullivan, 68, has finally been cleared. Convicted in 1987 for the horrific 1986 rape and murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall in Birkenhead, new DNA tests have shattered the original case against him. This landmark ruling is believed to be one of the longest-running wrongful convictions in UK history.
DNA Evidence Exposes Fatal Flaw in Conviction
The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) ordered fresh forensic testing on preserved samples from the crime scene. Shocking results revealed no trace of Sullivan’s DNA on the victim, raising serious doubts about the credibility of his confession and the bite mark evidence used to convict him—both now widely questioned.
“He has always been trying and working towards a breakthrough. That DNA evidence was that moment for him,” said Sullivan’s solicitor, Sarah Myatt.
Brutal Murder Shocked Community, Police Reopen Case
Diane Sindall, a barmaid and florist engaged to be married, was attacked while walking to a petrol station after her van ran out of fuel. Her body was found in an alleyway, triggering one of Merseyside Police’s largest ever investigations. Sullivan’s conviction hinged on a coerced confession and outdated forensic methods, with no DNA testing available at the time.
Merseyside Police are now hunting the unknown individual whose DNA was found on the victim. The profile doesn’t match anyone on the UK’s national DNA database.
“We are carrying out an extensive investigation in a bid to identify who the new DNA profile belongs to,” a police spokesperson confirmed.
Officers are also re-contacting people linked to the original probe to collect voluntary DNA samples in hopes of cracking the case.
Community and Family React to Shocking Developments
While Diane Sindall’s family has stayed silent, former colleagues have spoken out.
“I’m glad he’s being released if he’s innocent. It has been a long time,” said the landlord of the pub where Diane worked.
Jo Wood from the Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre recalled the fear gripping the community back then:
“Nobody felt safe. It was a very scary time.”
A memorial stone still stands near the attack site, honouring Diane and “all of our sisters who have been raped and murdered.”
Legal Team Pays Tribute to Victim and Family
Sullivan’s lawyers remain sensitive to the pain endured by Diane’s loved ones.
“We are very respectful to the fact that there is a victim. Diane Sindall and her family will be affected by this process,” said Ms Myatt.
Justice at Last—but Real Killer Still at Large
This case exposes deep flaws in old forensic practices and confessions extracted under pressure. Now that Peter Sullivan is a free man, Merseyside Police and the CCRC face intense pressure to track down the true culprit and bring genuine justice to Diane Sindall’s family after almost 40 years.
