Chief Constable statement following Ministry of Justice announcement

Following today’s (Thursday 26 October 2023) announcement by the Ministry of Justice regarding the independent inquiry into the handling of the Andrew Malkinson case, Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable, Stephen Watson, said:

“I welcome the appointment of Her Honour Judge Sarah Munro KC as the inquiry independent chair, and the commencement of proceedings into establishing what led to the grave miscarriage of justice experienced by Mr Malkinson.

"I reaffirm GMP’s commitment to this independent non-statutory inquiry, of which our participation will be timely, transparent, and fulsome, as is expected from us by the public.

“I would once again like to apologise to Mr Malkinson for the anguish he has suffered. I hope that the opportunity for the relevant facts to be re-examined independently, in detail, will help him achieve the resolution he deserves.

“The investigation into the original offence very much remains active and continues to progress.”