Andrew Malkinson: Investigation launched by police watchdog into dealing with of wrongful rape conviction as ‘important points’ discovered

The police watchdog has began an investigation into the best way detectives dealt with complaints made by the authorized staff of a person wrongfully convicted of rape.

Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years in jail for a rape he didn’t commit, had his conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal in July.

The complaints relate to an allegation relating to the failure to retain objects of proof and the failure to disclose info relating to 2 witnesses who gave proof to the trial, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) mentioned.

It mentioned its casework staff “highlighted significant issues” with Greater Manchester Police’s investigation into the complaints and “identified several outstanding lines of inquiry”.

IOPC director of operations Amanda Rowe mentioned: “Given our issues over Greater Manchester Police’s dealing with of the complaints – and the numerous public curiosity in a case that led to a person spending 17 years in jail for a criminal offense he did not commit – our involvement will guarantee there may be thorough scrutiny of the actions of police concerned.

“Our investigation, which will be carried out independently of the police, will focus on the specific allegations raised in Mr Malkinson’s complaints.

“We aren’t reviewing the unique felony investigation, nor do now we have the facility to take action.

“We are in contact with the government about its broader inquiry into the wrongful conviction. We will continue to work with the chair and inquiry team so that our work and theirs is aligned to ensure that the actions of GMP are fully examined.”

Read extra:
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Miscarriages of justice body to review handling of wrongful conviction

An inquiry was ordered into the dealing with of Mr Malkinson’s case final month.

While it’s impartial, it isn’t statutory and subsequently will not be capable of compel folks to return earlier than it.

Greater Manchester Police, the Crown Prosecution Service and the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) will all have their roles in Mr Malkinson’s conviction and imprisonment reviewed.

At the time Mr Malkinson mentioned: “I spent over 17 years wrongly imprisoned and so I hope that my lawyers and I will be given the opportunity to feed into the inquiry’s terms of reference.

“I needed to take the police to courtroom twice to pressure them handy over proof.

“The CCRC has so far refused to apologise and take accountability. So, naturally, I am concerned that witnesses from these agencies may not cooperate and hand over all the evidence.”

He added: “If there is any obstruction by the agencies involved, then the inquiry needs to be made statutory so that they can be compelled to hand over evidence.

“I wish to see critical, profound adjustments in our justice system popping out of this. My case reveals that the police can’t be trusted to research impartially or act as trustworthy gatekeepers to the proof.”