£20,000 Reward Offered in 40-Year Birkenhead Murder Hunt
Nearly four decades after the brutal murder of florist Diane Sindall, Merseyside Police have announced a significant breakthrough in the case, coupled with a substantial reward for information. The force is now offering £20,000 through Crimestoppers for any details that lead to the arrest and conviction of the killer, following new DNA evidence that has revitalised the investigation.
The 1986 Murder That Haunted Merseyside
In 1986, Diane Sindall, a 21-year-old florist from Birkenhead, was raped and savagely beaten to death in a crime that shocked the local community. She had been working a late shift at a pub, a part-time job she took to save money for her upcoming wedding. On her way home, her blue Fiat minivan ran out of petrol, and she began walking. Tragically, her body was discovered in an alleyway the following day, with the killer earning the grim nickname "Beast of Birkenhead".
For years, the case seemed resolved when Peter Sullivan, then aged 30, was convicted for the murder. However, he consistently maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment.
Longest Miscarriage of Justice in UK History
Last year, Peter Sullivan, now 68, was released after new forensic tests revealed that his DNA was not present in semen samples collected from the crime scene. This overturned his conviction, marking the end of a 38-year wrongful imprisonment—the longest miscarriage of justice recorded in UK history. His release has reopened the investigation, shifting the focus back to identifying the true perpetrator.
New DNA Evidence Sparks Renewed Hope
Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson of Merseyside Police explained the recent developments: "Back in 1986, a sample was recovered from Diane at the crime scene. Now, with advancements in DNA technology, we've identified a male profile from that sample. This has become our key line of inquiry—we need to identify who this DNA belongs to."
The £20,000 reward, offered in collaboration with Crimestoppers, aims to encourage anyone with information to come forward. Police acknowledge that after nearly 40 years, the killer may be deceased, but they remain optimistic about solving the case and delivering justice for Diane Sindall's family.
This renewed effort highlights the enduring impact of cold cases and the potential for modern forensic science to rectify past injustices, offering a glimmer of hope in a decades-old mystery.
