A man who suffered from a severe miscarriage of justice in the UK is facing a significant financial loss as he is required to cover the costs of evaluating his damages. Andrew Malkinson criticized the system, labeling it as “vindictive” and “penny-pinching,” as he now faces a potential bill of around £10,000.
Having served 17 years in prison for a wrongful rape conviction, Mr. Malkinson expressed his frustration at having to bear the expenses for his damages assessment and legal fees. He questioned the rationale behind this financial burden, describing it as unreasonable and motivated by a desire to recover as much money as possible.
Mr. Malkinson urged the Secretary of State for Justice to intervene in the matter, suggesting that a simple administrative action by David Lammy could rectify the situation. He highlighted the unfairness of the current compensation system, noting that a high percentage of wrongly imprisoned individuals do not receive any compensation, emphasizing the vindictive nature of the process.
After multiple failed attempts to challenge his conviction, Mr. Malkinson’s innocence was finally acknowledged in 2023 when DNA evidence identified the real perpetrator, Paul Quinn. Quinn, who was found guilty of multiple charges including rape and GBH, will be sentenced in June.
Expressing relief and gratitude for the resolution of the case, Mr. Malkinson reflected on the impact of the ordeal on himself and the victim. Despite always maintaining his innocence, he was wrongly convicted after being mistakenly identified in a police lineup.
Quinn, the actual perpetrator, is now under investigation for additional sexual assaults, raising questions about why he was not thoroughly investigated earlier despite being a known sex offender living near the crime scene. Detectives focused on Mr. Malkinson during the initial investigation, leading to his wrongful imprisonment until his exoneration in 2023.
An examination by the Independent Office for Police Conduct is underway to investigate former Greater Manchester Police officers for potential misconduct in handling the case. A judge-led inquiry is also planned to delve into the wrongful conviction of Mr. Malkinson.
