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DNA Frees Man After 38 Years; Real Killer Hunted
9 Mar
Summary
- Man wrongly jailed for 38 years exonerated by DNA evidence.
- Diane Sindall was raped, murdered in August 1986.
- Police use familial DNA in hunt for unknown killer.
Nearly four decades after the brutal murder of Diane Sindall, a man who spent 38 years wrongly imprisoned has been exonerated, prompting a fresh appeal for information. Ms. Sindall, 21, was sexually assaulted and murdered in Birkenhead, Merseyside, on August 2, 1986, after her car ran out of petrol.
Peter Sullivan, who was dubbed the 'Beast of Birkenhead,' was freed last year when DNA evidence proved he was not the killer. This case represents the longest miscarriage of justice in British history. Police are now utilizing familial DNA technology to identify an unknown suspect whose DNA is not on record.
Ms. Sindall's family have made a public plea, describing her as a 'beautiful soul' whose future was cruelly stolen. They urge anyone with information, however small, to come forward. A £20,000 reward is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the real perpetrator.
Authorities believe the killer possessed local knowledge, particularly of the Bidston Hill area where some of Ms. Sindall's clothing was found burnt. A witness reported seeing a man running from that spot shortly after the murder. Police are also investigating a possible link to another assault on the same night.
