A trial has commenced at Manchester Crown Court for Paul Quinn, 51, accused of a brutal 2003 rape that resulted in the wrongful conviction of Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in prison. The case has drawn significant attention due to the severe miscarriage of justice it represents.

DNA Evidence and Charges

Quinn, who has pleaded not guilty, faces charges of rape, strangulation, and inflicting grievous bodily harm. Prosecutors presented compelling DNA evidence linking Quinn to the crime scene, asserting it is "more than one billion times" more likely to be his than anyone else's. This evidence starkly contrasts with the initial conviction of Malkinson, who was mistakenly identified as the perpetrator.

Details of the 2003 Attack

The court heard harrowing details of the attack, which occurred near the M61 motorway in Salford. The victim, who remains anonymous, was followed, assaulted, and left unconscious with severe injuries, including a fractured cheekbone and a partially severed nipple. The prosecution emphasized the calculated nature of the attack, suggesting the assailant had intimate knowledge of the secluded location.

Misidentification and Wrongful Conviction

Malkinson was initially implicated based on a police e-fit and witness identifications, despite lacking the injuries described by the victim. His sudden departure to the Netherlands shortly after the attack further fueled suspicions, leading to his arrest and subsequent conviction. John Price KC, prosecuting, highlighted the grave injustice Malkinson suffered, describing it as one of the worst miscarriages of justice.

Local Knowledge and Planning

Prosecutors argue that Quinn's familiarity with the area played a crucial role in the crime. The attack's precise timing and location suggest premeditation, with Quinn allegedly exploiting his local knowledge to evade detection for nearly two decades.