London, United Kingdom – The British government is considering measures to clear the names of hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongfully convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal. More than 700 branch managers were wrongly convicted of false accounting, theft, and fraud based on faulty software. Only a fraction of these convictions have been overturned so far, with fewer than 100 people having their names cleared.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has stated that the government is reviewing options, including the possibility of stripping the Post Office of its role in the appeal process. Currently, the Post Office holds the power to bring prosecutions and presents evidence in court, but there is now a suggestion to involve the Crown Prosecution Service and its lawyers in the appeals process.
The Post Office Horizon scandal, which dates back to 1999, has left many victims still fighting to have their convictions overturned and to secure compensation for the financial losses they endured due to the faulty accounting software. Lee Castleton, a former postmaster who has been severely affected by the scandal, expressed his anger and called for a change in the system.
In response to the scandal, the government has initiated a public inquiry to uncover the truth of what happened and establish accountability. The Metropolitan Police is also investigating potential fraud offenses related to the prosecutions carried out by the Post Office.
This renewed focus on the Post Office Horizon scandal came after the recent airing of ITV’s mini-series, Mr Bates vs the Post Office: The Real Story. The series tells the story of sub-postmaster Alan Bates, who successfully fought a legal battle that led to the overturning of numerous convictions. Lord Arbuthnot, who was involved in another wrongful conviction case, emphasized the need for those responsible to face retribution.
As the government considers measures to clear the names of those affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, the ongoing public inquiry aims to shed light on the injustices and bring about accountability. The victims of this scandal continue to seek justice and reparation for the devastating consequences they have endured.
In summary, the British government is exploring options to rectify the wrongful convictions of sub-postmasters involved in the Post Office Horizon scandal. With the public inquiry and ongoing investigations, the aim is to uncover the truth, hold those responsible accountable, and provide the victims with the justice they deserve.