The Story 38 years - Britain's worst miscarriage of justice
May 26, 2025
Emily Dugan, a Special Correspondent for The Sunday Times, dives deep into the harrowing case of Peter Sullivan, who was wrongfully imprisoned for 38 years. They discuss the shocking details of his wrongful conviction and the DNA evidence that finally cleared his name. Dugan highlights systemic failures in the justice system and raises critical concerns about the effectiveness of the Criminal Cases Review Commission. The conversation also touches on the lasting impact of such injustices on both victims and society.
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Diane Sindel's Tragic Murder
- Diane Sindel was a 21-year-old barmaid and florist stabbed brutally in 1986.
- Her life was cut short while her fiancé and family were devastated by her violent death.
False Confession of Peter Sullivan
- Peter Sullivan, known to police for minor crimes, was vulnerable and coerced into a false confession.
- His confession was retracted, but the police still charged him with murder.
Systemic Barrier to Release
- Prison release requires admitting guilt, making innocent inmates like Sullivan unable to demonstrate rehabilitation.
- This systemic flaw makes it hard for wrongly convicted to gain freedom without false confessions.