£20,000 Reward Announced to Capture ‘Beast of Birkenhead’
The brutal murder of Diane Sindall in 1986 continues to haunt the community of Birkenhead. The 21-year-old florist was raped and murdered shortly after finishing a late shift at a local pub. Tragically, her life was cut short when her blue Fiat minivan ran out of petrol, forcing her to walk home. Diane was savagely attacked, and her body was discovered in an alleyway the next day.
Historic Miscarriage of Justice
For decades, investigations led to the conviction of Peter Sullivan, a local man who maintained his innocence throughout his 38-year imprisonment. In 2022, advancements in DNA testing revealed that his DNA was not present at the crime scene, leading to the overturning of his conviction. This case stands as the longest miscarriage of justice in UK history, highlighting significant flaws in the original investigation.
Renewed Investigation by Merseyside Police
In a renewed effort to solve the murder, Merseyside Police have partnered with Crimestoppers and announced a £20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this cold case. Detective Superintendent Rachel Wilson emphasized the importance of a DNA sample collected at the crime scene, stating, “Now we’ve got the benefit of the enhancements in the DNA work, and we’ve identified a profile of a man from that sample.”
Key Details of the Case
- Victim: Diane Sindall, 21
- Year of Crime: 1986
- Convicted Individual: Peter Sullivan
- Duration of Imprisonment: 38 years
- Current Age of Sullivan: 68
- Reward for Information: £20,000
While there is a possibility that Diane’s killer may now be deceased, police remain optimistic about identifying the perpetrator. They continue to work meticulously, hoping to bring justice for Diane Sindall and her family after nearly four decades of unanswered questions.
