Paul Quinn's 24-year sentence an 'insult', says wrongly convicted Andrew Malkinson

Andrew Malkinson has expressed his outrage at the sentence handed down to Paul Quinn, the man convicted of the attack that led to Malkinson’s wrongful imprisonment for 17 years. Malkinson described the 24-year term given to Quinn as an “insult,” especially considering that Quinn could be eligible for parole after serving just 14 years. He emphasized that while Quinn is a “violent, depraved individual,” his sentence is still “softer” than the life sentence that Malkinson himself received unjustly.

Paul Quinn, aged 52 and originally from Little Hulton, Salford, was convicted of a brutal 2003 assault that left a woman severely beaten, strangled unconscious, and raped as she walked home in the early hours. At the trial held in Manchester Crown Court, it was revealed that Quinn’s DNA was discovered on the victim’s vest, and that he had researched online how long police retain DNA samples. Additionally, Quinn was found guilty of strangulation and causing grievous bodily harm. Despite the severity of his crimes, he received a prison sentence of 21 years with an additional three years on licence, a decision that left Malkinson—who spent over 17 years incarcerated for Quinn’s crime—deeply aggrieved.

The victim, described as a “hero” by the judge, gave an emotional impact statement in court, revealing how the assault altered her life permanently. She tearfully recounted that the assault’s impact would “remain with me for life,” and detailed the daily reminder she faces due to the scarring from the attack. The judge, Mr Justice Robert Bright, acknowledged the profound pain endured by the victim and highlighted her bravery in facing the court a second time. Addressing Quinn, the judge remarked, “She, not you Paul Quinn, is the person from this case who I will remember for the rest of my days,” underscoring the victim’s resilience compared to the offender’s disregard.

Quinn’s criminal record revealed a troubling history of sexual offenses dating back to his youth, including two counts of indecent assault in 1986 when he was 12, and convictions in 1992 for underage sex that would now be classified as rape. The DNA linking him to the 2003 attack was obtained following these earlier convictions. Quinn, then 29, stalked and violently assaulted his victim before being finally identified through forensic evidence years later. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are now investigating whether Quinn may be connected to other unsolved sexual offenses. Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick emphasized the importance of justice regardless of time passed and encouraged anyone with information to come forward. She also highlighted ongoing inquiries into failings that allowed Malkinson’s wrongful conviction to persist, with investigations into several current and former GMP officers underway, alongside significant resignations within the Criminal Cases Review Commission

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