NI postmasters have convictions quashed

Twenty-one postmasters across Northern Ireland have had their convictions quashed.

The 21 individuals were identified as having at least one conviction quashed by the Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act 2024, and 160 convictions have been identified as quashed.

Each count that an individual is found guilty of is considered a conviction, and many of the 21 individuals have multiple convictions arising from the same prosecution.

The Act was passed into legislation in May 2024, as a response to the scandal in which innocent subpostmasters were pursued for apparent financial shortfalls caused by faults in the Horizon accounts system.

Justice Minister Naomi Long made the announcement and said the Department of Justice had issued correspondence to the 21 individuals to notify them accordingly.

“It is a significant and welcome development that 21 people in Northern Ireland have now received confirmation their convictions have been quashed and that these will be removed from their records,” said the Minister.

“I hope by having their convictions quashed and their records updated, those affected get some sense that justice has been served.”

Minister Long encouraged anyone who believes they have a relevant conviction and has not received a letter to date, to make contact with the Department so their convictions can be reviewed.

“Similarly, I would encourage those who think they may be eligible for the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme to apply to the programme,” added the Minister.

“Whilst no amount of financial redress can fully compensate for the years of stress and suffering that subpostmasters have experienced, I hope it goes some way to alleviating any financial hardship that has been experienced.”

The Department for Business and Trade is responsible for the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme for those who have had their convictions quashed by the legislation.