12 of 15 sex offenders whose convictions were overturned will not face fresh prosecution

The Public Prosecution Service has completed a review into 15 Sexual Offence cases involving 17 victims, after it emerged the cases were originally tried in the wrong court.

Earlier this year, discovery of a legislative error meant the convictions were quashed.

Today, the PPS has concluded that fresh proceedings will be brought to the crown court for three of them.

Assistant Director, Ciaran McQuillian, who concluded the review said the decision not to prosecute 12 people was taken on public interest grounds.

He said: "This involved careful consideration of whether the available evidence provided a reasonable prospect of conviction and whether prosecution was in the public interest.

"I reached the conclusion that three of the 15 meet the test for prosecution, while 12 do not.

"I have written to all defendants and victims involved today to inform them of the outcome in their individual case.

He said this resulted in a range of punishments, from prison and suspended sentences to probation or community service, adding that relevant considerations in the decisions included the outcome of the previous proceedings, the nature and gravity of the offences, the time that had passed since the crimes, and the time that had passed since the original proceedings.

He said regard was also given to the fact that the setting aside of the previous conviction did not prevent the police providing relevant information to Access NI checks.

"During the victim engagement process, a number of people indicated to me they did not wish to see a fresh prosecution, while others were supportive of new proceedings,'' said Mr McQuillan.

"I recognise fully the deep disappointment felt by those who did wish to proceed again and who were told today that this will not happen.

"I want to assure all victims, and the wider public, that each decision was taken only after the most careful consideration of all the factors relevant to each of the cases."