Peter Sullivan, 68, who spent 38 years in prison for a murder he did not commit, has accused Merseyside police of using violence and threats to extract a false confession. Sullivan was convicted in 1987 for the murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall, a florist and part-time pub worker, who was killed in Bebington, Merseyside. His conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal in May after new DNA evidence emerged.
In an interview with BBC North West, Sullivan claimed he was beaten twice by police officers in his cell. He said officers threw a blanket over him and struck him with truncheons. He also alleged he was denied food, sleep, and an appropriate adult, despite custody records noting his learning difficulties. Sullivan said he was told that if he did not confess, he would be charged with 35 other rapes.
Sullivan expressed that he cannot forgive those responsible for his imprisonment. He said he lost his freedom, his mother, and his father while incarcerated, and he wants an apology from Merseyside police. The murder case was reopened in 2023, and police have screened 456 men but have not yet found the killer.
Sullivan said he feels sorry for Sindall's family and offered his support when the killer is found. He has not yet received any compensation. Merseyside police responded, saying they regret the miscarriage of justice and are investigating the new DNA evidence. They stated that Sullivan's allegations of being beaten and threatened are the first time such claims have been brought to their attention.
