Key Points:
- Peter Sullivan, 68, had his 1987 murder conviction quashed after nearly 40 years in prison.
- Court of Appeal ruled new DNA evidence excluded him as source of crime scene DNA.
- Family demands resignation of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) chief executive.
- Case highlights failures in justice system and forensic evidence handling.
- Police have reopened investigation into Diane Sindall’s 1986 murder.
- The watchdog is criticised for delayed action and insufficient case reviews.
- The family and supporters call for systemic reform and accountability.
As reported by Charles Thomson, Investigations Reporter, of This is Local London, Peter Sullivan’s family has publicly called for the resignation of the head of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) following the quashing of his nearly 40-year-old murder conviction.
What happened in Peter Sullivan’s case?
Peter Sullivan, 68, was convicted in 1987 for the murder of 21-year-old Diane Sindall, a barmaid, in northwest England. According to court records, Sullivan was sentenced based largely on forensic evidence and circumstantial details.
As reported by Charles Thomson of This is Local London, recent advancements in DNA testing led to new evidence that excluded Sullivan as the source of the crime scene DNA. This breakthrough prompted the Court of Appeal to quash his conviction on May 13, 2025.
Sullivan spent nearly four decades in prison before his conviction was overturned. Despite the lengthy imprisonment, he reportedly expressed no anger or bitterness but instead reflected on the tragic loss of life and the need to rebuild his life.
Why is the watchdog boss being called to resign?
The family, speaking through local media, has joined wider calls for the chief executive of the CCRC to resign, holding the watchdog accountable for delays and failures in reviewing wrongful conviction cases.
Charles Thomson reports that the CCRC has been criticised for inadequate case handling and a perceived reluctance to challenge government budget cuts, which have affected its capacity to investigate miscarriages of justice effectively.
This case, one of the longest miscarriages of justice in UK history, has intensified scrutiny of the watchdog’s leadership, with the family demanding new leadership “with the guts to tear down what’s broken and stand up for the innocent,” according to statements relayed by Thomson.
How has the justice system responded?
Police have reopened the investigation into the original murder of Diane Sindall, seeking to identify the true perpetrator.
The CCRC issued a statement noting they “look forward to an announcement on the appointment of an interim chair” and emphasised their commitment to “finding, investigating and referring potential miscarriages of justice,” as reported by Charles Thomson.
What does this case reveal about forensic evidence and appeals?
Peter Sullivan’s case underscores the critical role of forensic evidence in the justice system and how advances in DNA technology can overturn wrongful convictions decades later.
It also highlights systemic weaknesses in the appeals process and the importance of independent bodies like the CCRC to safeguard justice, especially in complex or historic cases.
