By Emeka Blast 
After 17 Years Wrongly Jailed, Andrew Malkinson Pledges Ongoing Reform Fight
Andrew Malkinson, who was wrongfully convicted of rape in 2004 and spent 17 years in prison before his exoneration in 2023, continues to advocate for comprehensive reforms to prevent future miscarriages of justice. Despite his release, Malkinson faces ongoing challenges, including mental health issues and financial instability, as he awaits compensation.
In response to his case, the UK government initiated an independent inquiry to examine the roles of Greater Manchester Police, the Crown Prosecution Service, and the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) in his wrongful conviction. Malkinson has expressed concerns that the inquiry lacks the power to compel witnesses and disclose documents, which could hinder a full understanding of the failings in his case. He has called for the inquiry to be made statutory to ensure comprehensive accountability and transparency.
Additionally, Malkinson advocates for the abolition of majority jury verdicts, which were used in his trial, to prevent potential miscarriages of justice. He also criticizes the current compensation scheme for wrongfully convicted individuals, highlighting that the maximum payout of £1 million is insufficient given the profound impact of such miscarriages on people’s lives.
Malkinson remains committed to his campaign for justice reform, aiming to ensure that others do not endure the same injustices he faced.
