After spending 38 years in prison for a murder conviction that was later overturned, Peter Sullivan, known as the “wolfman,” has received a significant update. At the age of 30, Sullivan was sentenced for the crime and is now in his 60s. He is believed to be the individual in the UK who has served the longest time wrongfully convicted. Last year, three senior judges revoked his conviction after 17 years of legal battles. Following this decision, the police watchdog initiated an investigation.
The case revolves around the murder of 21-year-old barmaid Diane Sindall in Bebington, Merseyside, back in August 1986. Sullivan was arrested the following month and was given the moniker “wolfman” by detectives due to bite marks found on the victim’s body. Despite being sentenced in November 1987, Sullivan remained incarcerated despite a minimum term of 16 years.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed an investigation into complaints related to the conduct of Merseyside Police during the investigation that led to Sullivan’s wrongful conviction. The IOPC received a referral from the police force after a complaint from Sullivan in January. The investigation involves examining relevant records and speaking to various involved parties to establish the parameters of the inquiry.
Amanda Rowe, Director of the IOPC, expressed sympathy for Sullivan, stating that he was a victim of a severe miscarriage of justice. Given the gravity of the situation, an independent investigation is deemed essential. The IOPC acknowledges the challenges posed by the passage of time but is committed to expediting the inquiry while ensuring it does not impede Merseyside Police’s ongoing investigation into the original crime against Sindall.
The IOPC’s investigation is distinct from Merseyside Police’s own inquiry into the events of 1986. Notably, a DNA profile was discovered that did not match Sullivan’s. The IOPC highlighted that a violent assault had been inflicted on Sindall, whose body was discovered in Birkenhead in August 1986. Sullivan’s conviction was overturned by the Court of Appeal in May 2025 based on the new DNA evidence, leading to subsequent developments.
In July 2025, the BBC aired an interview with Sullivan, during which he raised concerns about Merseyside Police’s handling of the case. This interview formed the basis of the complaint referred to the IOPC in January.