After spending nearly four decades behind bars, a former labourer has been exonerated, marking a historic moment in the UK’s criminal justice system.
Peter Sullivan, who had been imprisoned for the murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall in 1987, was dramatically released today.
This followed a decision by the Court of Appeal, which ruled that new DNA evidence had rendered his conviction unsafe.
For 38 years, Sullivan had maintained his innocence, and now, after a long legal battle, his conviction has been quashed.
The Breakthrough Evidence
Sullivan’s case became one of the longest miscarriages of justice in UK history.
He was originally convicted of murdering Diane Sindall, whose brutal death shocked the nation.
However, following the latest Court of Appeal hearing, three senior judges found in Sullivan’s favor, citing new scientific evidence that showed the killer was someone else.
This new DNA evidence, not available at the time of the original trial, pointed to an unknown individual, clearing Sullivan of the crime.
At the age of 68, Sullivan, who has learning difficulties, appeared in the court hearing remotely from HMP Wakefield.
While watching the proceedings, he showed no visible emotion as the decision was announced by Lord Justice Holroyde, the lead judge.
The ruling followed a two-hour hearing, during which the fresh evidence was presented.
Sullivan Speaks Out After Release
After the hearing, Sullivan made a statement through his lawyer, reflecting on the pain of losing so many years of his life for a crime he did not commit.
“I lost my liberty four decades ago over a crime I did not commit,” he said, acknowledging the significant advances in scientific methods and legal practices since his conviction.
He expressed no bitterness or anger but shared his desire to be reunited with his family and make the most of the time he has left.
His family, who were present in the public gallery, were visibly moved by the decision.
His sister, along with two brothers, thanked the press and quickly left for a nearby pub to process the extraordinary turn of events.
The Flawed Conviction
Sullivan’s conviction had been based on circumstantial evidence that, at the time, seemed compelling.
The prosecution argued that Sullivan, after a day of heavy drinking, encountered Diane Sindall while she was walking to a petrol station.
She had been working late at a pub to save money for her upcoming wedding when her van broke down.
Tragically, she was ambushed, sexually assaulted, and murdered in an alleyway.
However, the case against Sullivan started to unravel after the new DNA evidence emerged.
The DNA found on Sindall’s body did not match Sullivan’s, pointing instead to an unknown male.
Had this evidence been available back in 1986, it would have likely led to a different outcome, with no grounds for prosecution.
A New Investigation
Following the Court of Appeal’s decision, Merseyside Police have now reopened the investigation into Diane Sindall’s murder.
They are focusing on the newly identified DNA, which does not match anyone in the National DNA Database.
Despite screening over 260 men and eliminating them from the inquiry, the true identity of the killer remains unknown.
The police have enlisted the help of the National Crime Agency to assist in the investigation, which has now reached a critical juncture.
Detective Chief Superintendent Karen Jaundrill emphasized that the investigation is far from over, noting that the DNA evidence could be pivotal in solving the case.
She also acknowledged the pain that Diane Sindall’s family and friends continue to endure, as they come to terms with the revelation of a wrongful conviction after all these years.
The Long Road to Justice
Peter Sullivan’s case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of scientific advancements in criminal justice.
What seemed like a closed case for nearly four decades has now been reopened due to modern DNA testing.
For Sullivan, the journey to justice has been long and painful, but today, after 38 years, he can finally look forward to a future that seemed impossible just a few months ago.
Sullivan’s case also raises important questions about the justice system, particularly regarding the treatment of vulnerable individuals.
Sullivan had confessed to the crime at one point, but later retracted his confession, claiming it had been coerced by police.
The lack of legal representation and support during his early interviews was a critical factor in his wrongful conviction.
Today, justice has finally been served, and the truth has come to ligh