Solicitor representing Co Derry man affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal seeks clarification on new UK legislation

A solicitor representing a County Derry man who was affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal has written to the NI Executive to find out if they intend to propose similar legislation to the UK to quash convictions

Following yesterday's announcement by the UK government that the new legislation to overturn Post Office Horizon convictions, Solicitor Michael Madden sent correspondence to the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister to seek clarification on any new proposals.

On Thursday, the UK government minister for Enterprise, Markets, and Small Business, Kevin Hollinrake, made a ministerial statement to announce that new primary legislation will be introduced to make sure that those convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal are swiftly exonerated and compensated.

Mr Hollinrake’s announcement stated that the new legislation will only apply to England and Wales and that the Northern Ireland Executive will have to introduce legislation to effect the overturning of convictions.

Mr Madden represents around 30 clients who have been affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, including Portstewart man Lee Williamson.

Mr Williamson currently has an appeal ongoing before the Court of Appeal.

His case was last before the Lady Chief Justice on January 12, when the court adjourned the case in order to see the proposals for new legislation. The case is next listed for Review on April 24 for an update on the new proposals.

Michael Madden said: “The UK government’s announcement that legislation to overturn convictions will only apply to England and Wales has created real concern for subpostmasters in NI. “The announcement means that there is uncertainty as to how and when legislation will be introduced in NI.

“Unfortunately, this uncertainty has added to the ongoing distress suffered by wrongly convicted subpostmasters in NI and means that they could be left in a worse position that those in England and Wales. I have written to the NI Executive to seek urgent clarification regarding their response to today’s announcement.”