Karen Kneller Resigns as Head of Criminal Cases Review Commission After Andrew Malkinson Failings

July 2, 2025 – London: Karen Kneller has resigned as the chief executive of the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC). She stepped down after months of criticism over how the organisation handled the case of Andrew Malkinson, who was wrongly jailed for 17 years.

Ms Kneller had led the CCRC for 12 years. Her resignation follows calls for her to step down after the CCRC admitted it “failed” Mr Malkinson, a man wrongly convicted of rape in 2003.

What Happened in the Malkinson Case?

• Andrew Malkinson was jailed for life in 2003 for the rape of a woman in Greater Manchester.

• There was no DNA evidence linking him to the crime.

• He always said he was innocent.

• The CCRC rejected his appeals twice—once before and once after Helen Pitcher became chair of the commission.

• He was finally cleared in July 2023, after new evidence came to light.

In May 2025, the Justice Select Committee said the CCRC had an “inability to learn from its own mistakes” under Ms Kneller’s leadership.

Leadership Changes at the CCRC

This is the second major resignation at the CCRC this year:

• In January, Helen Pitcher, the former chair, also resigned after an investigation found the CCRC had seriously let Mr Malkinson down.

• Amanda Pearce, the CCRC’s director of casework operations, has been made interim chief executive.

New Chair Speaks Out

Dame Vera Baird, who became the new chair of the CCRC in June, said: “The CCRC has a vital role to play in the criminal justice system, but confidence in the organisation has been badly damaged. Confidence in our work must be restored.”

What Legal Experts Say

Matt Foot, from the legal charity Appeal, who helped Mr Malkinson clear his name, welcomed the resignation.

“Karen Kneller’s resignation was long overdue,” he said. “The CCRC needs a completely new senior team who can truly challenge injustice.”