Peter Sullivan's 38-Year Miscarriage of Justice: Calls for Accountability and Compensation
Published 19 November 2025
Highlights
- Peter Sullivan was wrongfully imprisoned for 38 years for the murder of Diane Sindall, with his conviction quashed in May 2023 after new DNA evidence emerged.
- Sullivan claims he was coerced into confessing by Merseyside Police, who allegedly beat him and denied him legal representation.
- The Independent Office for Police Conduct is reviewing the case following Sullivan's allegations of police misconduct.
- Sullivan is seeking compensation for his wrongful imprisonment, but the process is lengthy and capped at £1.3 million.
- The real perpetrator of the 1986 Birkenhead murder remains unidentified, with police continuing their investigation.
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Rewritten Article
Headline: Peter Sullivan's 38-Year Miscarriage of Justice: Calls for Accountability and Compensation
In a harrowing tale of justice gone awry, Peter Sullivan, a 68-year-old man with learning difficulties, was released in May 2023 after spending 38 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Sullivan's conviction for the 1986 murder of Diane Sindall in Birkenhead was overturned following new DNA testing that pointed to an unknown assailant.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
Sullivan has accused Merseyside Police of coercing him into a false confession. He claims officers beat him with truncheons and threatened to charge him with 35 additional rapes if he did not comply. During his initial interrogations, Sullivan was denied legal representation, a violation that has drawn significant criticism. Merseyside Police, while expressing regret over the miscarriage of justice, maintain that officers acted within the law at the time.
Independent Review and Compensation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now reviewing the case following Sullivan's allegations. This marks the second referral to the watchdog, as the first review in May found no misconduct. Meanwhile, Sullivan is pursuing compensation for his wrongful imprisonment. His solicitor, Sarah Myatt, acknowledges the process is complex and capped at £1.3 million, a sum she argues is insufficient for the loss of nearly four decades of freedom.
Ongoing Investigation
The murder of Diane Sindall remains unsolved, with Merseyside Police continuing their investigation. Despite substantial changes in investigative practices since 1986, the search for the true perpetrator is ongoing. To date, 456 men have been screened and eliminated from the investigation.
Personal Impact and Public Reaction
Sullivan's ordeal has left him seeking answers and an apology from the authorities. "I can't forgive them for what they've done to me," he stated, reflecting on the personal losses he suffered, including the deaths of his parents during his incarceration. His story has sparked public outcry and renewed calls for reform in how miscarriages of justice are addressed and compensated.
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Scenario Analysis
The review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct could lead to significant repercussions for Merseyside Police if misconduct is confirmed. This may prompt broader discussions about police accountability and the need for reforms in interrogation practices, especially concerning vulnerable individuals.
On the compensation front, Sullivan's case may add momentum to campaigns challenging the current cap on payouts for wrongful imprisonment. Advocates argue that the cap fails to adequately compensate victims for their lost years and the emotional toll of wrongful convictions.
As the search for Diane Sindall's real killer continues, advancements in forensic technology may eventually identify the perpetrator, bringing closure to a case that has haunted the community for decades.
In a harrowing tale of justice gone awry, Peter Sullivan, a 68-year-old man with learning difficulties, was released in May 2023 after spending 38 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Sullivan's conviction for the 1986 murder of Diane Sindall in Birkenhead was overturned following new DNA testing that pointed to an unknown assailant.
Allegations of Police Misconduct
Sullivan has accused Merseyside Police of coercing him into a false confession. He claims officers beat him with truncheons and threatened to charge him with 35 additional rapes if he did not comply. During his initial interrogations, Sullivan was denied legal representation, a violation that has drawn significant criticism. Merseyside Police, while expressing regret over the miscarriage of justice, maintain that officers acted within the law at the time.
Independent Review and Compensation
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is now reviewing the case following Sullivan's allegations. This marks the second referral to the watchdog, as the first review in May found no misconduct. Meanwhile, Sullivan is pursuing compensation for his wrongful imprisonment. His solicitor, Sarah Myatt, acknowledges the process is complex and capped at £1.3 million, a sum she argues is insufficient for the loss of nearly four decades of freedom.
Ongoing Investigation
The murder of Diane Sindall remains unsolved, with Merseyside Police continuing their investigation. Despite substantial changes in investigative practices since 1986, the search for the true perpetrator is ongoing. To date, 456 men have been screened and eliminated from the investigation.
Personal Impact and Public Reaction
Sullivan's ordeal has left him seeking answers and an apology from the authorities. "I can't forgive them for what they've done to me," he stated, reflecting on the personal losses he suffered, including the deaths of his parents during his incarceration. His story has sparked public outcry and renewed calls for reform in how miscarriages of justice are addressed and compensated.
What this might mean
The review by the Independent Office for Police Conduct could lead to significant repercussions for Merseyside Police if misconduct is confirmed. This may prompt broader discussions about police accountability and the need for reforms in interrogation practices, especially concerning vulnerable individuals.
On the compensation front, Sullivan's case may add momentum to campaigns challenging the current cap on payouts for wrongful imprisonment. Advocates argue that the cap fails to adequately compensate victims for their lost years and the emotional toll of wrongful convictions.
As the search for Diane Sindall's real killer continues, advancements in forensic technology may eventually identify the perpetrator, bringing closure to a case that has haunted the community for decades.
