More than 900 former sub-postmasters across the UK were wrongly prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 because the Horizon computer system wrongly showed missing payments from their branch accounts
More sub-postmasters from Northern Ireland have had their convictions quashed following the Post Office horizon scandal.
There are now 21 sub-postmasters from Northern Ireland who have had their wrongful convictions overturned after they were prosecuted because the Horizon computer system wrongly showed missing payments from their branch accounts.
Over 900 sub-postmasters across the UK were wrongly prosecuted with The Post Office (Horizon System) Offences Act 2024 was passed into legislation in May 2024..
The Act means that all convictions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are to be overturned automatically, provided they meet the statutory criteria.
A redress scheme is available to those who have had their convictions overturned, with it being reported earlier this year that three victims received a £1.8million in payments.
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.”
The Department for Business and Trade are responsible for the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme for those who have had their convictions quashed by the legislation.