Andrew Malkinson, wrongfully convicted of rape and imprisoned for 17 years, faces the prospect of paying up to £10,000 in fees related to his compensation claim. Malkinson has criticized the system, calling it “vindictive” and “penny-pinching,” after being informed that he must cover the costs of his own damages assessment and legal expenses.

Malkinson, 60, whose conviction was overturned in 2023, urged the justice secretary, David Lammy, to intervene. He argued that the government should bear the costs associated with compensation claims for those wrongly imprisoned, stating that the current arrangement disproportionately burdens victims of miscarriages of justice. “I’d like to ask him, does he think this is fair? I think 93% of those who have served wrongly in prison don’t get any compensation at all,” Malkinson said.

The wrongful conviction stemmed from a rape case in Greater Manchester, where DNA evidence recovered from the victim’s clothing later identified the true perpetrator, Paul Quinn. Despite having a prior conviction for sex offences and residing near the scene of the attack, Quinn was not initially investigated. Instead, police focused on Malkinson after he was identified in an identity parade. Malkinson was convicted in 2004 and spent nearly two decades in prison, refusing to confess and repeatedly denied parole until his release in 2020.

The case has prompted an investigation into the conduct of five former Greater Manchester Police officers on allegations of gross misconduct. A judge-led inquiry has been announced to examine the circumstances that led to Malkinson’s wrongful conviction.

Paul Quinn is scheduled to be sentenced on June 5. Meanwhile, Malkinson continues to seek reform in the compensation process for those wrongfully convicted, highlighting the financial and emotional toll such miscarriages of justice impose on individuals.