Full Breakdown
Paul Quinn sentenced for 2003 rape that led to Andrew Malkinson’s wrongful conviction
6/5/2026, 8:50:48 PM
Conviction and Sentence
Paul Quinn, 52, was found guilty at Manchester Crown Court of two counts of rape, one count of grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of choking with intent to rape for a July 2003 attack in Little Hulton, Salford. He received a 24-year custodial term – 21 years in prison followed by a three-year extended licence – with parole eligibility after 14 years.
Background & Key Figures
The 2003 assault left the victim with a fractured cheekbone, disfigurement and lasting anxiety. Quinn, a known sex offender, had prior convictions for indecent assault (1986) and under-age sexual offences (1992). Andrew Malkinson, a security guard, was wrongly identified in an identity parade and convicted in 2004, serving 17 years before his conviction was quashed in 2023. The victim was called a “hero” by the judge. Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick leads the GMP investigation; the IOPC is probing GMP officers over the case.
Timeline of Major Events
- 19 July 2003 – Quinn rapes a woman in Little Hulton.
- 2004 – Malkinson convicted for the rape.
- 2012 – First appeal against Malkinson’s conviction rejected.
- 2020 – Malkinson released after conviction quashed.
- 2023 – DNA links Quinn to the 2003 crime; trial commences.
- June 2024 – Quinn sentenced to 24 years; GMP appeals for other victims.
Impact on Victims
The victim told the court, “For Quinn it was one night of his life; for me it was one night that changed my life… I live in constant fear and the disfigurement is a permanent reminder.” Andrew Malkinson said, “I am insulted that this violent, depraved individual… has received a softer sentence than was imposed on me… Anything less is not justice.”
Official Statements & Responses
Mr Justice Robert Bright described the victim as a “remarkable person” and a “hero,” noting that Quinn’s actions were “unusually violent.” GMP announced an appeal for any further victims, emphasizing that time will not be a barrier to justice. McKendrick said the outcome arrived “two decades too late” for those affected.
Criticism & Opposition
A 2024 review identified police failings that could have exonerated Malkinson a decade earlier. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating five former and one serving GMP officer for possible gross misconduct, while the chair and chief executive of the Criminal Cases Review Commission have resigned. Critics argue the original investigation ignored Quinn’s prior offences and mishandled DNA evidence.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on the attack’s date, citing July 2003 and, elsewhere, the year 2000. Sentencing details also vary: some describe a 24-year total (21 years custodial plus a three-year licence), while others refer only to a 21-year term. The location is given as Little Hulton in most reports, but one source mentions Farnworth.
Verbatim Quotes
- “ Addressing Quinn directly, Mr Justice Robert Bright said: "She, not you Paul Quinn, is the person from this case who I will remember for the rest of my days.” — Mr Justice Robert Bright
- “For [Quinn] it was one night of his life; for me it was one night that changed my life.” — Victim (impact statement)
- “We know this outcome has come two decades too late for those impacted by this case.” — DCS Rebecca McKendrick
- “The judge said there has also been 'dire' effects on Mr Malkinson, telling Quinn: "It is utterly clear that you knew throughout that another man had been arrested, charged, convicted and imprisoned.” — Mr Justice Robert Bright
What’s Next
A public inquiry into the miscarriage of justice is underway, the IOPC investigation continues, and GMP is seeking information from any additional victims of Quinn’s 2003 assault.
