England: Andrew Malkinson living in tent in Spain as UK government drags heels on compensation

The 57-year-old’s conviction for raping a young mother in July 2003 was quashed by the Court of Appeal last month, after DNA analysis associated the crime with someone else.

Mr Malkinson, who is based in Seville, in Spain, is relying on benefits while he waits for compensation for his wrongful imprisonment.

He said: “I’m on benefits. I’m homeless and waiting for them to do the right thing.

“They have the power to do the right thing but they chose to take their time.”

Emily Bolton, his solicitor and head of the legal charity Appeal, highlighted the outdated compensation system which could delay the payment for years.

Changes to legislation in 2014 now require those cleared on appeal to provide fresh evidence to the Ministry of Justice to demonstrate their indisputable innocence. The requirement has reduced state compensation for those who have suffered miscarriages of justice.

Victor Nealon, a postal worker who was wrongly imprisoned for 17 years on charges of attempted rape, is contesting the requirement at the European Court of Human Rights. Despite having been released in 2013 with new DNA evidence indicating another suspect, Mr Nealon has never received any compensation.

Regarding his decision to live in a tent in Spain, Mr Malkinson said it offers him “anonymity and nature”. He added: “I don’t trust the British. Hillsborough. Bloody Sunday. They can’t face the truth.”