Paul Quinn, 52, was convicted and sentenced to 24 years in prison for a brutal 2003 rape and assault in Salford, officials said earlier this year at Manchester Crown Court [1, 2]. Quinn’s conviction came after fresh forensic DNA evidence linked him to the attack, which involved rape, strangulation, and grievous bodily harm, overturning a long-standing wrongful conviction [1, 2].

The victim was followed for about a mile before being dragged into secluded woodland in Little Hulton, Salford, where she was strangled unconscious and raped twice [1, 2]. The attack left her with lasting facial injuries. She told the court, "Every day I look at my face and see the disfigurement, the scarring. It is a permanent reminder of that night and what I experienced." She also said, "For him, it was one night of his life; for me it was one night that changed my life." [1, 2]

Andrew Malkinson was wrongly identified during an identity parade and convicted in 2004 for the attack. He spent more than 17 years in prison protesting his innocence before his conviction was quashed in 2023 after the DNA evidence identified Quinn as the real attacker [1, 2]. Malkinson criticized Quinn’s 24-year sentence as an "insult" and "softer" than the life sentence he received despite being innocent, stating, "I am insulted that this violent, depraved individual... has received a softer sentence than was imposed on me." [2]

Judge Mr Justice Bright, who sentenced Quinn, praised the victim’s courage and described her survival as a "minor miracle," calling her "truly a hero." The judge imposed 21 years custody with a 3-year extended licence on Quinn [1, 2].

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is currently investigating possible misconduct by Greater Manchester police officers regarding evidence handling and procedures in the case [1]. Meanwhile, Quinn is also being investigated as a possible suspect in other serious sexual assaults [1].

The original attack occurred on July 19, 2003. Malkinson was convicted in 2004 and lost appeals in 2012 and 2020. He was released in 2020 before his conviction was fully quashed in 2023 [2].

Quinn’s sentencing marks the latest development in uncovering the truth after nearly 23 years since the attack. Investigations into police conduct and potential further offenses remain ongoing [1].