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The PPS have announced that they are to apply for the reinstatement of 15 sexual offence convictions set aside in 2020. This is following the identification of a legislative error that was considered to have deprived the Magistrates’ Court of jurisdiction to hear the relevant cases.
Speaking after the announcement today that the Public Prosecution Service is to apply to reinstate 15 sexual offence convictions set aside in 2020, Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said:
“I acknowledge the decision taken today by the Public Prosecution Service and welcome the action to reinstate 15 sexual offences which were set aside in 2020. First and foremost, I want to recognise the victims at the centre of these 15 convictions and acknowledge the pain and trauma they have suffered. While it is positive that the PPS has come to this decision following the identification of a legislative error and there is now an opportunity for these victims to access the justice they are entitled to, it must be acknowledged that this process may have the effect of retraumatising them and may be deeply distressing."
"It must also be acknowledged that this error was identified in 2020, yet it has taken three years to rectify. This is another example of the delays victims face within the criminal justice system."
“My office will continue to work with the PPS and other criminal justice agencies to ensure victims of sexual and domestic offences are supported in their journey through the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland and to monitor the experience of victims from initial reporting right through to the conclusion of their cases.”
The full statement from the PPS can be read here.