In a significant development, Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro KC has been appointed by the Lord Chancellor to chair the public inquiry into the wrongful conviction of Andrew Malkinson. This decision comes after Mr. Malkinson spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit, with an additional three under probation supervision.
The inquiry will meticulously investigate the actions of Greater Manchester Police (GMP), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) in Mr. Malkinson’s conviction and subsequent appeal. All involved agencies have pledged full cooperation to ensure a thorough examination of the miscarriage of justice.
Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice, Alex Chalk, expressed his determination to uncover the truth, stating, “Mr. Malkinson suffered an atrocious miscarriage of justice, and I am determined to ensure that he and the original victim get the answers they deserve.”
Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro KC, a senior and highly respected judge with extensive experience in criminal law, expressed her honour at chairing the inquiry. She emphasised the devastating impact of Mr. Malkinson’s wrongful convictions and asserted that the inquiry would be fearless and robust in seeking the truth.
The terms of reference for the inquiry outline its scope, which includes examining the police investigation, criminal trial, appeals, and any other relevant matters contributing to the miscarriage of justice. Importantly, the inquiry will operate without prejudicing the ongoing criminal investigation and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation.
The government has chosen a non-statutory inquiry, providing flexibility to the chair and aiming for a faster conclusion to provide answers promptly. The Lord Chancellor expects full cooperation from all involved agencies and will closely monitor the inquiry’s progress.
Judge Munro, known for her expertise in criminal law, will produce findings promptly, and the report, including any recommendations, will be submitted to the Lord Chancellor and published.
Expressing support for the inquiry, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, affirmed the force’s commitment to a transparent and thorough investigation, offering apologies to Mr. Malkinson for the anguish he endured.
