The wrong man was convicted of a crime he carried out

16:46, 17 Apr 2026Updated 16:47, 17 Apr 2026

Paul Quinn(Image: GMP)

Rapist Paul Quinn’s victim spoke out today as justice was served after more than 20 years – saying the attack had ‘robbed’ her of the life she wanted to live.

Quinn, 51, was found guilty on Friday of two counts of rape after his trial heard of a ‘terrible miscarriage of justice’ that saw the wrong man, Andrew Malkinson, serve 17 years behind bars for the crime.

Quinn was also convicted of inflicting grievous bodily harm on the woman and of a charge of attempting to choke, suffocate or strangle the woman with intent.

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She was attacked and raped by Quinn at the foot of an embankment off Cleggs Lane in Little Hulton, Salford, before 6am on July 19, 2003.

The woman, speaking through police, said she was ‘very pleased’ with the verdicts delivered by the jury on Friday after days of deliberation.

It’s the first time she has issued a statement, as legal proceedings were ongoing.

Andrew Malkinson(Image: PA)

She said the investigation had ‘robbed’ Mr Malkinson, who spent years in prison for a crime he did not commit, and had also ‘robbed’ her of the life she wanted.

Her brief statement was read out on her behalf by Detective Sergeant Helen Clitherow, the victim liaison officer in the case.

The woman said: “I am very pleased with the verdict today. It does not change the fact that two lives have been impacted in such a way, however justice has been served.

“This investigation has been ongoing for over 20 years. It has robbed Mr Malkinson of 17 years in prison and robbed me of the life I wanted to have.

“The impact of what happened that day has stayed with me and will stay for life.”

She went on to thank Greater Manchester Police, counsel at Manchester Crown Court and all those who supported her.

A more detailed statement from her is expected at a sentencing hearing.

An image of Paul Quinn, shown to the jury in his trial, said to have been taken in June 2003

The judge, Mr Justice Bright, ordered a pre-sentence report to be compiled ahead of a sentencing hearing for Quinn on June 5.

Quinn was remanded in custody and the judge left the court without addressing him.

Speaking after Friday’s hearing, Mr Malkinson said: “I am content that the right result has finally been achieved for the victim, myself and the public. But the truth is that if the police had acted as they should have done, Paul Quinn could have been caught a long time ago.

Instead, they wanted a quick conviction and I was a handy patsy forced to spend over 17 years in prison for his horrific crime.

All those responsible for allowing this dangerous man to wander free whilst I was locked up must now be held to account.