Andrew Malkinson: Investigation launched by police watchdog into handling of wrongful rape conviction as ‘significant issues’ found

The police watchdog has launched an investigation into the way detectives handled complaints made by the legal team of a man wrongfully convicted of rape.

Andrew Malkinson, who served 17 years in jail for a rape he did not commit, had his conviction overturned by the Court of Appeal in July.

The complaints relate to an allegation regarding the failure to retain items of evidence and the failure to reveal information relating to two witnesses who gave evidence to the trial, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) said.

IOPC director of operations Amanda Rowe said: “Given our concerns over Greater Manchester Police’s handling of the complaints – and the significant public interest in a case that led to a man spending 17 years in jail for a crime he didn’t commit – our involvement will ensure there is thorough scrutiny of the actions of police involved.”