Naomi Long

The Post Office (Horizon Systems) Offences Act 2024 automatically quashes convictions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland for certain offences alleged to have been committed while the faulty Horizon accounting system was in use by the Post Office.

It was introduced as a response to the scandal in which innocent subpostmasters were pursued for apparent financial shortfalls caused by faults in the Horizon software.

Some 21 individuals from Northern Ireland have been identified as having at least one conviction quashed by the Act, and 160 convictions have been identified as quashed.

Each of the individuals have been formally notified by the Department that their convictions have been quashed.

Justice minister Naomi Long said: “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.

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

“I would encourage 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.

“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.”