UK government to investigate case of man wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years

In a significant move, the UK government has initiated an independent inquiry into the harrowing case of a man who endured 17 years of wrongful imprisonment before his rape conviction was finally overturned on appeal.

This inquiry will delve into the roles played by both the Greater Manchester Police and the Crown Prosecution Service in the initial conviction as well as the subsequent appeals. Its primary aim is to uncover the reasons behind the “profound miscarriage of justice” that Andrew Malkinson endured.

Justice Minister Alex Chalk emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Andrew Malkinson suffered an appalling miscarriage of justice and he deserves comprehensive and transparent explanations regarding the lengthy delay in rectifying it.”

Chalk continued, “A man spent 17 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit, while the actual perpetrator remained at large. It is imperative that we fully comprehend the lessons to be gleaned from this.”

Andrew Malkinson, now 57, was wrongfully convicted of rape in 2004, despite the absence of any DNA evidence linking him to the crime. The Court of Appeal eventually overturned his conviction after new DNA testing linked the crime to a different individual.

Acknowledging the grave injustice, Chief Constable Stephen Watson of the Greater Manchester Police expressed remorse for the immense suffering Malkinson endured throughout the years. Watson also affirmed the police force’s commitment to contributing to the inquiry with transparency, honesty, and humility.

As the inquiry unfolds, it is anticipated to uncover crucial insights into the systemic failures that led to this prolonged miscarriage of justice. The UK government’s initiative aims not only to rectify this particular case but also to prevent such occurrences in the future through a comprehensive and introspective examination of the legal and law enforcement processes involved.