Paul Quinn jailed after violent 2003 rape as police appeal for other victims to come forward

A man convicted of a violent rape in Little Hulton more than two decades ago has been sentenced to an extended 24 year prison term.

Paul Quinn, 52, now of Exeter, was jailed today, Friday 5th June, after being found guilty of two counts of rape, one count of choking with intent and one count of grievous bodily harm.

Quinn was convicted following a six-week trial at Manchester Crown Court in April. 

The case is linked to the wrongful conviction of Andrew Malkinson, who spent 17 years in prison for a crime he did not commit before clearing his name at the Court of Appeal in 2023.

Greater Manchester Police said the conviction followed a reinvestigation launched in 2022 after DNA recovered during the original inquiry matched Quinn.

The attack happened on 19 July 2003 when a woman was brutally assaulted and left with life-changing injuries.

Despite the severity of the attack, the victim was able to provide investigators with details about her attacker. Police said her account was later supported by witness evidence gathered during the reinvestigation.

Jurors heard that a full DNA profile matching Quinn was found on the victim's vest top. Prosecutors also presented evidence from witnesses who described Quinn's appearance and behaviour at the time, including his tendency to shave his chest during summer months and returning home without his shirt on the night of the attack.

Police said Quinn attempted to explain the presence of his DNA by claiming he regularly slept with multiple women during that period. Investigators also uncovered evidence showing he had taken a significant interest in developments surrounding the case while Andrew Malkinson was campaigning to overturn his conviction.

The reinvestigation involved the review of more than 6,000 documents, 760 exhibits and 275 witness statements, including evidence from former police officers.

Following the sentencing, detectives appealed for anyone who may have been a victim of Quinn, or who has information about possible further offences, to come forward.

Detective Chief Superintendent Rebecca McKendrick 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."

She added, "To commit such a violent attack raises concerns that there may be other victims out there."

The victim, who supported two separate criminal investigations over more than 20 years, described the lasting impact of the attack during the sentencing hearing.

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."

Referring to Andrew Malkinson, she added, "I am aware that someone has had 17 years robbed as a result of this case and that stays with me."

The victim told the court she continues to live with the physical and emotional consequences of the attack, saying, "For him it was one night of his life, for me it was one night that changed my life."

Greater Manchester Police said it had apologised to both the victim and Mr Malkinson. The force also confirmed it will support ongoing reviews examining how the miscarriage of justice occurred.

Anyone with information linked to Operation Canopy is asked to contact Greater Manchester Police or Crimestoppers anonymously.