Accuser in Andrew Malkinson Case Expressed Uncertainty to Police, Court Testimony Reveals
A woman who alleged she was raped by Andrew Malkinson confessed to police over two decades ago that she "wasn't too sure it was the right man," according to recent court proceedings. This admission emerged during the trial of Paul Quinn, who is now accused of the 2003 rape after fresh DNA evidence allegedly connected him to the victim.
Seventeen Years of Wrongful Imprisonment
Andrew Malkinson endured 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, in what jurors described as a "most terrible" miscarriage of justice. He was released in December 2020 after new DNA tests identified saliva from another man on the victim's vest, fundamentally undermining his conviction.
The court heard that during Malkinson's original trial in 2004, the complainant stated she was "more than 100% sure" he was the attacker. However, she later revealed she had expressed doubts to police, only to be reassured by officers who attributed her uncertainty to "trial nerves."
Testimony Highlights Police Reassurances and Trauma
In emotional testimony, the woman, who cannot be identified, recounted telling a detective named Helen about her reservations. "I remember telling this to Helen, the detective," she said. "I said I wasn't too sure it was the right man and they said: 'Don't worry, it's just trial nerves, it will all be OK.'"
She also shared these doubts with her husband, but he insisted they had the correct person. The witness explained that she felt naive and traumatized at the time, relying heavily on police guidance. "I listened to what police said and I was scared coming into the courtroom," she testified. "I just went with what people told me to do and I was reassured it was fine."
Identification Issues and DNA Evidence
The woman identified Malkinson in a digital ID parade three days after the alleged attack, despite it being dark during the incident. When questioned about providing a description under those conditions, she responded, "I didn't think straight because I was traumatized." She added that she gave the best description possible but acknowledged the face was not clear.
Prosecutor John Price KC maintained that the identifications of Malkinson were "honestly and genuinely made" mistakes. Meanwhile, scientific analysis now suggests Paul Quinn is "more than 1 billion times" more likely to be the source of crucial DNA found on the victim than anyone else.
Current Trial and Legal Proceedings
Paul Quinn, 51, from Exeter, is currently on trial at Manchester Crown Court, facing charges including:
- Two counts of rape
- One count of attempt to strangle
- One count of assault intending to cause grievous bodily harm
Quinn has denied all allegations. The trial continues, highlighting ongoing scrutiny of the original investigation and the profound impact of wrongful convictions on individuals like Andrew Malkinson.
