The Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) is facing one of the most significant decisions in its 29-year history: whether to refer Lucy Letby's conviction for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of seven others back to the Court of Appeal. This comes amid intense public scrutiny and a damaged reputation following failures in the cases of Andrew Malkinson and Peter Sullivan, both wrongfully imprisoned.
Failures in the Malkinson and Sullivan Cases
Andrew Malkinson spent 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, while Peter Sullivan was wrongly imprisoned for 38 years for murder. Both men had previously applied to the CCRC before their convictions were overturned. A review by Chris Henley KC criticised the CCRC for allowing inquiries to "drift," and the Justice Select Committee stated the organisation appeared unable to learn from mistakes. In the first half of 2024, both the chair and chief executive resigned.
Vera Baird's Interim Leadership and Inspectorate Report
Dame Vera Baird was appointed interim chair to restore the CCRC's credibility. A report from the Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate, published in early 2025, made 34 recommendations, highlighting unclear roles, unacceptable delays, and a need for better training. However, it expressed confidence in casework, noting that all decisions in the 60 cases examined were "ultimately sound." The referral success rate for the current year stands at 77.8%.
Record High Applications
Applications to the CCRC have reached a record high, with 1,841 received in 2025-26, a 20% increase from the previous year. While it is unclear if this indicates more wrongful convictions, the CCRC serves as a "place of last resort" for those who have exhausted other appeals. It was established after a 1990s royal commission examined miscarriages of justice, acting as a backstop for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Dame Vera stated that all 34 recommendations from the inspectorate will be implemented. The CCRC's role remains crucial for a justice system capable of honest self-reflection, ensuring that miscarriages of justice are addressed.
