Killer’s Chilling Plea After ‘Confessing’ to Murder of Barmaid 39 Years Ago
Peter Sullivan, imprisoned for 40 years, claims innocence with new DNA evidence
Birkenhead, Merseyside, Diane Sindall, Peter Sullivan, Murder
Birkenhead: A convicted murderer, Peter Sullivan, has been in prison for nearly 40 years. He confessed to killing barmaid Diane Sindall in 1986. Now, he claims he is innocent due to new DNA evidence.
Sullivan, known as the “Beast of Birkenhead,” was sentenced to life in 1987. He was found guilty of murdering 21-year-old Diane with a crowbar in Bebington, Merseyside. Her body was discovered mutilated in an alleyway.
New DNA evidence has led to Sullivan’s case being referred to the Court of Appeal. This follows his application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission in 2021. The evidence suggests he may not be the killer.
Diane was last seen leaving work at the Wellington Hotel on August 1, 1986. She was on her way home when her van ran out of fuel. Witnesses saw her dressed in a white top and jeans, walking to a nearby petrol station.
Tragically, she was attacked shortly after midnight. Her body was found hours later, showing signs of severe violence. The police launched a massive investigation, dubbing Sullivan “The Wolfman” due to bite marks on Diane.
Sullivan had a history of petty crime but no record of sexual violence. He confessed to the murder but later claimed police coerced him. Despite retracting his confession, he was convicted and sentenced to life.
Now, Sullivan maintains his innocence. The CCRC raised concerns about the police interviews and the evidence used in his trial. New DNA tests show the samples do not match Sullivan.
The Court of Appeal could quash his conviction, ending his nearly four decades in prison. Meanwhile, Merseyside Police has reopened the investigation, re-interviewing original witnesses.