Justice Secretary has commented on the
publication of a report on implementation of the Post Office
(Horizon System) Offences (Scotland) Act 2024, which has been
laid before the Scottish Parliament. The Act came into force in
June 2024.
Ms Constance said:
"The Horizon scandal caused enormous harm to individuals and
families across the UK. Innocent people had their lives turned
upside down as a result of miscarriages of justice built on
flawed evidence from a deeply flawed computer system. It was
right that we acted swiftly to introduce legislation to quash
those convictions for victims in Scotland.
"Today's report details that 100 cases were assessed, resulting
in 65 individuals having their criminal records cleared of Post
Office-related offending — 64 convictions quashed and one
alternative to prosecution deleted. 35 convictions were assessed
as not quashed. 62 of the 65 individuals have been successfully
traced, with efforts continuing to locate the remaining three.
"The UK Government is responsible for operating redress schemes
for those affected, and we are advised that 52 individuals have
accessed compensation as a result.
"This report also sets out for the first time the processes the
Scottish Government has followed and the close working with
justice agencies that made this possible. I am grateful to all
those involved.
"This marks the end of the core phase of the Post Office
conviction project. However, if any individual believes they or
someone they know has a relevant conviction, we remain committed
to considering any new requests under the Act."
Background
Link to report
