In a landmark decision this week, the UK Court of Appeal quashed the murder conviction of Peter Sullivan, 68, who spent 38 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. This makes him Britain’s longest-serving victim of a miscarriage of justice.
Arrested in September 1986 after the murder of 21-year-old barmaid Diane Sidwell in Bebington, near Liverpool, Sullivan has maintained his innocence for decades. His legal team presented new DNA evidence showing semen samples from the crime scene did not match Sullivan’s profile, prompting the judges to overturn his 1987 conviction.
“I’m not bitter,” Sullivan said in a statement read by his lawyer after the ruling. Though he called the verdict “very wrong,” he emphasized he holds no anger, focusing instead on rebuilding life beyond prison walls.
DNA Technology’s Impact
This case highlights how advancements in forensic science can rewrite justice. In recent years, improved DNA testing has unlocked new evidence in cold cases worldwide, offering hope to those wrongly convicted.
A Broader Pattern
Sullivan’s release follows other high-profile cases in the UK. In 2023, Andrew Malkinson walked free after 17 years when an official review uncovered serious failings in his rape conviction. The Post Office Horizon scandal later exposed how faulty computer data led to over 900 wrongful prosecutions of sub-postmasters. A report by justice charity Appeal revealed at least 56 split-jury convictions in England and Wales that may also deserve review.
Looking ahead, all eyes turn to the case of Jeremy Bamber, convicted in the 1985 White House Farm murders. His legal team has submitted fresh evidence to the Criminal Cases Review Commission, fueling calls for another appeal.
As DNA and legal reviews reshape the justice landscape, Sullivan’s story stands as a powerful reminder of the stakes when the system fails—and the life-changing impact when it finally gets it right.
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Innocent Briton 'not bitter' despite spending 38 years in jail
cgtn.com
