A new BBC podcast re-examines a murder case and wrongful conviction that left lasting questions in Birkenhead.
Crime Next Door: The Beast of Birkenhead focuses on the killing of 21-year-old Diane Sindall and the impact of a major miscarriage of justice.
The series explores how investigative failures contributed to a wrongful conviction and allowed the real perpetrator to remain unidentified for decades.
Diane Sindall was raped and murdered in 1986 after running out of petrol on her way home in Birkenhead, Wirral. At the time, a conviction brought reassurance to the community, but nearly 40 years later DNA evidence confirmed the man found guilty was innocent.
Peter Sullivan spent 38 years in prison before being released last year after his conviction was quashed. The podcast includes audio of Peter reflecting on his exoneration and the personal toll of losing decades of his life.
Presented by Liverpool-based journalist Olivia Graham, the series revisits the case through interviews with residents, former detectives and forensic specialists.
Olivia examines how the original investigation went wrong and captures the atmosphere of fear that existed in Birkenhead during the 1980s.
During production, Olivia uncovered a new lead, adding further context to events in the weeks leading up to Diane’s murder. The series also considers wider issues around women’s safety at the time.
Olivia said: “When we started this podcast, I never expected this would be the journey we’d go on. What I’m most proud of is how people have trusted us with their memories and stories.”
Chris Burns, Head of Local Audio Commissioning, said the story remains significant within British criminal history and reflects the role of local storytelling in uncovering complex issues.
The podcast is a collaboration between BBC Radio Merseyside and BBC Audio Scotland and is available on BBC Sounds from today, Monday 20 April.
