Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years in prison for a rape he did not commit, has received the first part of his compensation payment. Malkinson, 59, had his conviction quashed in 2023 after years of protesting his innocence. His case is considered one of the worst miscarriages of justice in UK legal history.
Malkinson’s lawyer, Toby Wilton, welcomed the payment but called for the £1 million cap on compensation payouts to be lifted. He argued that the cap is arbitrary and unfair, especially given the length of time Malkinson spent in prison. Wilton also highlighted the risk that Malkinson could lose his social housing flat due to the compensation payment.
Malkinson, who struggled to survive on benefits and had to turn to food banks, expressed relief at receiving the payment. He plans to use some of the money to visit his half-sister in Australia, whom he hasn’t seen since 1990. Malkinson said, “It’s been a mighty struggle, because I could hardly pay for my rent and food. So I’m very pleased now that I’m financially independent and I’ve got the freedom I craved whilst in prison”.
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