DNA Breakthrough Exonerates Man After 17 Years in Prison
A man who spent 17 years behind bars for a rape he did not commit has been exonerated after DNA evidence identified a new suspect in a case described as a "terrible miscarriage of justice". Andrew Malkinson was wrongly convicted of the 2003 attack on a motorway embankment in Salford, Greater Manchester, based on mistaken witness identification, Manchester Crown Court heard today.
New Suspect Arrested in 2022
It was not until 2022 that Paul Quinn, now 51, was arrested after his DNA was found on the alleged victim's clothing and body. Quinn strenuously denies strangling and raping the woman while she was unconscious on July 19, 2003. Prosecution barrister John Price KC told the jury that Malkinson was a victim of one of the worst miscarriages of justice in recent memory.
Details of the 2003 Attack
The court heard that a dog walker, Philip Coucill, encountered the "distressed" and "dazed" woman near the M61 motorway between Salford and Bolton around 5:30 am. She had blood on her face and a swollen left cheek, and told him she had been attacked and raped. The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, suffered a prolonged assault with severe sexual violence, including being beaten, strangled unconscious, and raped twice. Her mobile phone was stolen, preventing her from calling police.
Mistaken Identification Leads to Wrongful Conviction
The victim initially described her attacker as a "Gypsy type, muscular, dark hair" with an olive complexion, about 5ft 8in tall, and wearing a white unbuttoned shirt. Police suspected Malkinson, who lived 1.5 miles from the scene and worked as a security guard in Ellesmere Port. Despite having no scratch marks—the victim had scratched her assailant's face—Malkinson was identified by the victim and two witnesses in digital procedures. He was convicted in 2004 and served 17 years before being freed in 2020.
DNA Evidence Points to Quinn
Subsequent DNA analysis proved it was Paul Quinn, not Andrew Malkinson, who attacked the woman in 2003, Price said. There is "no alternative plausible explanation" for Quinn's DNA on her body and clothing. Photos from 2003 show Quinn had a hairy chest, contradicting the victim's description of a "shiny hairless chest," but his overall appearance matched other details. Quinn is charged with two counts of rape, causing grievous bodily harm, and attempted strangulation. He denies all allegations.
Judge Warns Jury Against Online Research
After the jury was sworn in, Mr Justice Bright warned them not to conduct their own research online, stating it would cause "agony" for both the complainant and accused and jeopardize the trial. He emphasized that both have waited long enough for justice to be served. The trial continues, highlighting ongoing legal proceedings in this complex case.
