In a stunning turn of events, Andrew Malkinson, a British national, has been declared a free man after spending 17 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. Malkinson's conviction for rape was overturned by appeals court judges on Wednesday after new DNA evidence emerged, connecting another potential suspect to the crime.

This revelation has shed light on what Malkinson describes as being "kidnapped by the state" for the past two decades. Malkinson, who has consistently maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment, expressed his relief at finally being exonerated.

However, he also expressed bitterness towards the Greater Manchester Police (GMP) for persisting in believing his guilt and ignoring his pleas. He accused them of forcing him to live in a "false fantasy" while he suffered the consequences of a wrongful conviction. The Court of Appeal overturned Malkinson's conviction, citing the lack of DNA evidence linking him to the crime and the reliance on disputed eyewitness identification in his case.

Malkinson addressed the court, proclaiming his innocence and stating, "I have been innocent all along." He also highlighted the additional ten years he served in prison for refusing to make a false confession, claiming that the GMP labeled him as being in denial. The GMP and the Crown Prosecution Service did not contest the appeal, leading to Malkinson's exoneration by three senior judges.

Despite his relief at being released, Malkinson spoke about the hardships he now faces, including unemployment, homelessness, and the difficulties of reintegrating into society after spending so many years behind bars. He described his time in prison as constantly being on guard against threats, counting down the minutes until lock-up to feel safe.

Assistant Chief Constable of GMP, Sarah Jackson, issued an apology to Malkinson, acknowledging the "grave miscarriage of justice" he endured. However, Malkinson emphasized that the years of lost freedom and the traumatic experience he had undergone cannot simply be repaired by an apology.

This case serves as a reminder of the importance of a fair and robust criminal justice system, where the truth can prevail and innocent individuals are not wrongfully convicted. Malkinson's story highlights the devastating impact of such miscarriages of justice, which can leave individuals without apology, explanation, and struggling to rebuild their lives.