Earlier convictions for theft, fraud, and false accounting have finally been quashed after a legal skirmish lasting more than a decade. Thanks to support from third-party funder, Therium, thirty-nine sub-postmasters cleared their names after being prosecuted by the state-owned Post Office. The employees had been charged over shortfalls in various branch accounts. It was eventually discovered that Horizon, the IT system used by the Post Office, was to blame for the perceived financial shortfalls.
An LFJ Conversation with Michael Kelley, Partner, Parker Poe
Earlier convictions for theft, fraud, and false accounting have finally been quashed after a legal skirmish lasting more than a decade. Thanks to support from third-party funder, Therium, thirty-nine sub-postmasters cleared their names after being prosecuted by the state-owned Post Office. The employees had been charged over shortfalls in various branch accounts. It was eventually discovered that Horizon, the IT system used by the Post Office, was to blame for the perceived financial shortfalls.
Financial Times explains that more than 700 other sub-postmasters were convicted of crimes based on Horizon evidence. Many convictions required defendants to pay back the “stolen” funds. Lives were ruined due to these convictions, marriages ended, bankruptcies declared, some even died as convicted criminals. Prime Minister Boris Johnson referred to the situation as “an appalling injustice” and welcomed the court’s ruling.
The court determined that the Post Office ignored sub-postmasters’ complaints about the IT system and disregarded their assertions that the system was to blame. Some defendants have vowed to hold Post Office officials accountable for the damage caused by the malicious prosecutions.
Lord Justice Timothy Holroyde stated that the Post Office’s egregious failures of investigation and disclosure were an affront. Were it not for legal funding from Therium, the wronged parties would still be waiting for justice.
It’s predicted that this ruling will inspire a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution, among other charges. In such cases, compensation must return the claimant back to the same financial situation they were in before the prosecution occurred. Meanwhile, the Post Office is asking for governmental help to pay the expected compensation, saying they are in no financial position to do so.
