Andrew Malkinson case shows importance of securely stored forensic evidence

DNA evidence examined three years after his false conviction for rape in 2004 was vital in exonerating him

The Andrew Malkinson case highlights egregious failings in the criminal justice system, but also the unique power of forensic evidence to bring about redress.

In 2007, three years after Malkinson’s conviction and after scientific advances, a new DNA profile was identified from the victim’s clothing, which had been securely archived after the original trial. This was crucial to Malkinson’s eventual exoneration and could yet help bring the right person to justice.