Peter Sullivan’s Murder Conviction Is Quashed After 38 Years in Jail

In a landmark decision on May 13, 2025, the Court of Appeal in London quashed the conviction of Peter Sullivan, who had spent 38 years in prison for the 1986 murder of Diane Sindall. This ruling marks one of the longest-serving wrongful convictions in British history.

Peter Sullivan, now 68, was arrested in 1986 for the brutal killing of 21-year-old barmaid Diane Sindall in Bebington, near Liverpool. Sindall had been sexually assaulted and beaten after her van ran out of fuel late at night. Sullivan’s conviction was largely based on his confessions and bite mark evidence presented during the trial. However, he consistently maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment.

Recent advancements in forensic science led to the re-examination of Sullivan’s case. DNA testing of biological evidence from the crime scene, which was previously untestable, revealed that the DNA did not belong to Sullivan. This new evidence prompted the Criminal Cases Review Commission to reopen the case, leading to the Court of Appeal’s decision to quash Sullivan’s conviction.

During the appeal hearing, Sullivan expressed no bitterness and looked forward to reuniting with his loved ones. His sister, Kim Smith, reflected on the emotional toll the case had taken on both families, highlighting the dual tragedy of the situation. Merseyside Police have reopened the investigation to find the real perpetrator, as the DNA profile obtained does not match anyone from Sindall’s family or her then-fiancé. They plan to request samples from other individuals who were investigated during the original investigation.

This case underscores the importance of continuous advancements in forensic technology and the necessity of re-examining past convictions to prevent miscarriages of justice. The exoneration of Peter Sullivan serves as a poignant reminder of the potential for wrongful convictions and the critical need for vigilance in the pursuit of justice.