Paul Quinn jailed for 2003 rape of woman, two decades after miscarriage of justice

We’re appealing for potential victims of a man who raped a woman in a violent attack in Little Hulton, before watching the wrong man go to prison, to come forward.

Paul Quinn (52), now of Exeter, was today (5 June 2026) given an extended sentence of 24 years,being unanimously found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of choking with intent, and one count of grievous bodily harm.

This outcome has been possible due to the extraordinary courage and resilience shown by the victim, who has continued to engage with the criminal justice process through two trials.

Now, detectives who have led the painstaking reinvestigation are encouraging anyone else who may be a victim of Paul Quinn to come forwards with information, when they are ready.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick, senior investigating officer on the case, said: “When Paul Quinn attacked and raped a lone woman late that night in July 2003, he knew what he had done. He knew his crime was horrific and he knew how cowardly he was for watching another man go to prison.

 “Twenty years later, he denied it – telling us he would have been ashamed of committing such an offence. Well tonight I hope that shame runs deep to his core.

 “We know this outcome has come two decades too late for those impacted by this case. However, we will not allow time to be a barrier to justice for anyone who has further information about Paul Quinn and any further potential sexual offending.

 “To commit such a violent attack raises concerns that there may be other victims out there.

 “If you believe you have been a victim or have information you have not yet shared with us, please know we want to hear from you. We promise you that we will support you and we will listen to you.”

 Anyone with information can call us on 101, or report via our website www.gmp.police.uk, quoting Operation Canopy. You can anonymously call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We have apologised to the two victims impacted by this ordeal: the survivor of this heinous attack, and Mr Andrew Malkinson, who was the victim of a grave miscarriage of justice after wrongly being convicted and imprisoned for 17 years for a crime he didn't commit.

We recognise the profound impact and the harm caused by not bringing the real perpetrator to justice at the time.

Today the court heard the victim bravely she the impact that night in 2003 has had on her life, she said: “After 20 years, I now have justice but that does not change the fact that two lives have been impacted in such a way.

 “I am aware that someone has had 17 years robbed as a result of this case and that stays with me.

 “As for me, the impact, will remain with me for life.

 “Every day I look at my face, it is a permanent reminder of that night and what I experienced, and I have to live with that.

 “I have always been a little reserved, I take time to come out of my shell but following that night, everything changed.

 “I live in constant fear - I always wanting to get home and shut the door as quickly as possible.

 “I have my family and husband who escort me to places and reassure me; they try and make me feel safe.

 “The impact has been massive but the ripple effect on my family has also been hard to watch- not being able to stay more than a couple of hours at family gatherings, wanting to head back to the room after tea on holiday instead of enjoying the scenery, not opening up about how I feel for fear of not being able to put everything back in its box

 “For him it was one night of his life, for me it was one night that changed my life”

DCS McKendrick paid tribute to the victim: “The victim in this case has put her trust in the GMP of today and finally has true justice. This outcome would not have been possible without her unbreakable strength.

 “We have all heard in court the lifelong impact that this horrendous ordeal has had on her, and I want to pay tribute to the courage she has shown every single day since this attack.

 “It has been an ordeal compounded by a second victim, Andrew Malkinson, being subject to such a grave miscarriage of justice.

 “I know there are key questions that must be answered by the IOPC investigation and judge-led inquiry. GMP stands ready to support these vital reviews.

 “I want to thank our dogged and diligent team who have led this unprecedented reinvestigation. It has involved reviewing 6,000 documents and getting more than 250 witness statements.

 “Today brings to a close the criminal chapter to this case. The right man – this horrific attacker, Paul Quinn – is finally behind bars.”

If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police, or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

 - Saint Mary's Sexual Assault Referral Centre, Manchester provides a comprehensive and co-ordinated response to men, women and children who live or have been sexually assaulted within Greater Manchester. They offer forensic medical examinations, practical and emotional support as well as a counselling service for all ages. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and can be accessed by calling 0161 276 6515.

- Greater Manchester Rape Crisis is a confidential information, support and counselling service run by women for women over 18 who have been raped or sexually abused at any time in their lives. Call on 0161 273 4500 or email [email protected]

 - Survivors Manchester provides specialist trauma informed support to male victims in Greater Manchester who have experienced sexual abuse, rape or sexual exploitation. Call 0161 236 2182.