Man wrongfully imprisoned for 17 years for rape; new conviction secured

Andy Malkinson was wrongfully convicted and imprisoned for 17 years for a 2003 rape attack in Salford.

After a lengthy investigation, Paul Quinn was found guilty of rape, strangulation, and grievous bodily harm in a recent trial.

The attack occurred in the early hours of 19 July 2003 in Little Hulton, Salford, when a 33-year-old woman was followed and assaulted.

She was strangled unconscious, suffered a fractured cheekbone, and was raped.

Malkinson was initially convicted in 2004 based on eyewitness testimony and served 17 years in prison protesting his innocence.

His conviction was quashed in 2023 after DNA evidence failed to match him.

The new conviction of Paul Quinn follows a month-long trial at Manchester Crown Court.

Quinn, 52, was found guilty of two counts of rape, attempted strangulation, and grievous bodily harm.

The original police investigation focused on Malkinson due to circumstantial evidence, including a prior stop by officers and a perceived match to the victim's description.

Quinn lived near the attack site but was not investigated at the time.

Greater Manchester Police have acknowledged failings in the original investigation and the wider criminal justice system.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker issued an apology to the victim.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, overseeing the inquiry, noted that no information about Quinn was provided during the initial investigation.

The victim expressed relief at the verdict but highlighted the lasting impact on her life and on Malkinson, stating the investigation "robbed Mr Malkinson of 17 years" and herself of the life she wanted.

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