Unraveling the Post Office Scandal: A Decades-Long Injustice
Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office found itself embroiled in a scandal that shook the lives of 736 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses. This scandal, known as the Post Office scandal, involved prosecutions based on information from a computer system called Horizon.
Innocence Betrayed: The Human Toll of False Convictions
An alarming average of one prosecution per week occurred during this period, leading to false accounting and theft charges against those who vehemently maintained their innocence. Despite raising concerns about software issues, many were sentenced to prison, facing financial ruin in the process.
The Long Road to Redemption: 20 Years of Legal Battles
After two decades, campaigners achieved a significant milestone when they won a legal battle to have the cases reconsidered. However, only 93 convictions have been overturned to date, leaving many victims still grappling for justice.
Unveiling Horizon: The System at the Center of the Storm
The Horizon system, introduced by the Post Office in 1999 and developed by the Japanese company Fujitsu, was intended for tasks such as accounting and stocktaking. However, sub-postmasters began facing issues as the system falsely reported shortfalls, sometimes amounting to thousands of pounds.
The Personal and Financial Toll on Sub-Postmasters
Faced with discrepancies, some sub-postmasters attempted to cover the financial gaps with their own money, as their contracts held them responsible for any shortfalls. The consequences were severe, with many teetering on the brink of bankruptcy and losing their livelihoods.
The Ongoing Battle for Justice: A Public Inquiry and Police Investigation
In February 2021, a public inquiry was initiated, shedding light on the extent of the injustice. Despite this, numerous victims continue to fight for the overturning of convictions and the quest for full compensation. Simultaneously, the Metropolitan Police is conducting an investigation into potential fraud offenses linked to the Post Office prosecutions.
