Peter Sullivan Released After 38 Years Faces £1m Compensation Cap

Peter Sullivan was released after serving 38 years in prison for a 1986 murder he did not commit, with his conviction quashed due to new DNA evidence pointing to an unknown male as the likely perpetrator. His case represents the longest-running miscarriage of justice affecting a living prisoner in UK history. Although he could be eligible for up to £1 million in compensation from the Ministry of Justice, the compensation system requires him to prove his innocence beyond reasonable doubt to the justice secretary, a challenging hurdle that many applicants fail to overcome. The compensation process is lengthy, often taking over two years, and experts warn the current system is "not fit for purpose." Sullivan’s lawyer has pledged to support him through any compensation claim, but previous cases highlight difficulties in receiving timely and adequate financial redress. Despite his ordeal, Sullivan expressed he is "not bitter" or "angry" and aims to rebuild his life after nearly four decades behind bars.