In a case described as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in modern British history, Paul Quinn, 52, has been found guilty of a "horrific" rape for which Andrew Malkinson spent 17 years wrongfully imprisoned. The conviction finally brings an end to a nightmare that began in July 2003, when a 33-year-old woman was dragged down an embankment off a motorway in Salford, Greater Manchester. She was beaten, strangled unconscious, and subjected to a prolonged sexual assault. Andrew Malkinson was arrested shortly after the attack and convicted in 2004. Despite his consistent claims of innocence, he remained behind bars until 2020, losing nearly two decades of his life for a crime he did not commit.
It was only through advances in DNA technology that the truth emerged. A forensic review discovered traces of Quinn’s saliva on the victim’s clothing. The match was so strong—described as a "billion-to-one"—that it was undeniable. Malkinson’s conviction was finally quashed by the Court of Appeal in 2023. Following a trial at Manchester Crown Court, Quinn was convicted of two counts of rape, attempted strangulation, and grievous bodily harm. He is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5.
The case has exposed severe failures in the criminal justice system. It has since emerged that the victim expressed doubts about identifying Malkinson during the original trial but was dismissed by police as suffering from "trial nerves". Greater Manchester Police (GMP) is now under intense scrutiny. Five former officers and one current officer are under investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). In a statement released after the verdict, the victim said: "It does not change the fact that two lives have been impacted. It has robbed Mr Malkinson of 17 years in prison and robbed me of the life I wanted to have". Malkinson, who is currently fighting for fair compensation, told the Manchester Evening News he does not blame the victim, stating, "She was deceived by agencies, as was I".
Justice Delayed: Man Found Guilty of 2003 Rape After Innocent Man Served 17 Years
In a case described as one of the worst miscarriages of justice in modern British history, Paul Quinn, 52, has been found guilty of a "horrific" rape for which Andrew Malkinson spe...
By editor·April 27, 2026·2 min read
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