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A report on the Post Office Horizon scandal has shown that up to 10,000 people might be entitled to compensation. The report highlights that more than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted for theft and fraud between 1999 and 2015 due to the defective Horizon software deployed by the Post Office.
These sub-postmasters faced accusations after the flawed Horizon system falsely indicated shortages in their branch accounts. It is believed that at least 13 people took their own lives as a result of the ordeal brought on by these prosecutions.
The controversy has been labelled the worst miscarriage of justice in British legal history, with public outrage rekindled last year following the popular ITV drama, Mr Bates vs The Post Office. Now the initial segment of an important final report has been released by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams.
In it, he estimates that approximately 10,000 claimants are seeking compensation through four distinct schemes, reports the Mirror. These schemes include the Horizon Shortfall Scheme, Group Litigation Order Scheme, Overturned Convictions Scheme, and Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme.
It is believed this figure will grow by hundreds or possibly more in the coming months. To date, in excess of £1 billion has been disbursed to more than 7,300 postmasters.
Huge impact on families says Sir Wyn Williams report
The comprehensive 162-page report notes: “Wives, husbands, children and parents endured very significant suffering in the form of distress, worry and disruption (to home life, in employment and in education). In a number of cases relationships with spouses and partners broke down and ended in divorce or separation.”
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said: “The publication of the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry’s report today by Sir Wyn and his team marks an important milestone for subpostmasters and their families. I welcome the publication today and am committed to ensuring wronged subpostmasters are given full, fair, and prompt redress.
“The recommendations contained in Sir Wyn’s report require careful reflection, including on further action to complete the redress schemes. Government will promptly respond to the recommendations in full in Parliament.” Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas said: “I welcome the Inquiry’s publication today and pay tribute to Sir Wyn and his team for their comprehensive and penetrating work.
“We must never lose sight of the Horizon Scandal’s human impact on postmasters and their families, which the Inquiry has highlighted so well. Sir Wyn’s report highlights a series of failings by the Post Office and various governments. His recommendations are immensely helpful as a guide for what is needed to finish the job, and we will respond in full to Parliament after carefully considering them.”
