A man who spent 38 years in prison for a murder he did not commit is demanding an apology. Peter Sullivan, 68, finally had his name cleared in May after DNA evidence proved another unknown man raped and killed 21-year-old Diane Sindall in 1986.
Sullivan was convicted in 1987 at age 30 and sentenced to life with a minimum of 16 years. He remained imprisoned for nearly four decades despite protesting his innocence throughout. The wrongful conviction meant he spent more of his life behind bars than free.
In his first interview since release, Sullivan told BBC North West what he wants most: "I've got to carry that burden until I can get an apology." He specifically called for an apology from Merseyside Police and everyone involved in the case.
Personal losses
Both of Sullivan's parents died while he was incarcerated. He told the BBC: "It hurts because I wasn't there for them." He has not yet been able to visit his mother's grave. "I lost all my freedom, I lost my mother, since I was put in prison, I've lost my father," he said.
Sullivan made clear he cannot move forward without answers: "I can't forgive them for what they've done to me because it's going to be there with me for the rest of my life – I've got to carry that burden until I can get an apology on what happened from everyone else who's been involved with the case."
Support for victim's family
Despite his ordeal, Sullivan offered to stand with Diane Sindall's family if her killer is found. Speaking from an undisclosed location with his face hidden, he told the BBC: "I feel sorry for (Ms Sindall's family), I really do feel sorry for them and what they're going through at the moment, where they're back at square one and not knowing who the person is that killed their daughter."
He added: "If they need – if they want – my support when they go to court with the guy, when they find him, I will go to court with them, I will be there by their side 100%, because I will be there for them."
Police response
Chief Constable Rob Carden, who took on his role at Merseyside Police earlier this year, responded to Sullivan's request. He said: "It was a grave miscarriage of justice and obviously as chief constable of Merseyside it doesn't matter how long I've been there, I deeply regret the detrimental impact on Mr Sullivan's life."
Carden will refer the original investigation into Sindall's murder to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The investigation into her killing continues, supported by the National Crime Agency.
The murder occurred when Diane Sindall was walking through Birkenhead in the early hours of August 2, 1986. Scientific advances finally enabled DNA testing that exonerated Sullivan and identified an unknown perpetrator.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
