[Ammi]

Peter Sullivan was convicted of murdering Diane Sindall in Birkenhead in August 1986 but a review found his DNA was not present on samples preserved at the time.
A man jailed for murder nearly 40 years ago has had his conviction quashed by the Court of Appeal, ending what's thought to be the longest-running miscarriage of justice in British history.

Peter Sullivan was convicted of murdering Diane Sindall in Birkenhead in August 1986. The 21-year-old florist had been beaten and raped and left in an alleyway.

Mr Sullivan, 68, had always maintained his innocence and new tests, ordered by the Criminal Cases Review Commission, revealed his DNA was not present on samples preserved at the time.

"He has always been trying and working towards a breakthrough. That DNA evidence was that moment for him," said his solicitor Sarah Myatt.

"When he was told about the new evidence, he was ecstatic."


Merseyside Police have confirmed detectives are now "carrying out an extensive investigation in a bid to identify who the new DNA profile belongs to, as to date there is no match on the national DNA database".

Detectives are also contacting individuals identified in the original investigation to request voluntary DNA samples.

That original investigation was the largest in the force's history and, for many officers, the "frenzied" nature of the attack made it the worst case they had ever encountered.

Ms Sindall, who was engaged to be married, had just left her shift as a part-time barmaid at a pub in Bebington when her small blue van ran out of petrol.

Ms Sindall's family told Sky News they did not want to comment on the case.

Mel John, landlord of the pub where Ms Sindall worked on the night of her death, said: "I'm glad he's being released if he's innocent. It has been a long time."

Mr Sullivan is also aware, his solicitor says, of the impact on Ms Sindall's family.

"We are very sensitive and respectful to the fact that there is a victim, Diane Sindall and her family, that will be affected by this process," the solicitor said.