Legal Eagle: The Post Office Horizon scandal compensation

[TrueBlueTerrier]

https://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/opi ... on-4990654

Horizon was introduced by the Post Office in 1999. The system was developed to assist with matters such as accounting and stocktaking. Sub-postmasters have previously raised complaints about bugs in the system after it falsely reported shortfalls.
Despite such concerns and complaints, between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted 700 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses based on information from the Horizon system, which indicated offences such as fraud and theft were taking place.

Some of those who were prosecuted were sent to prison for offences including theft. Many suffered significant financial troubles as a result. Lives were ultimately ruined.

It has since come to light that the Horizon system software was faulty. Some of those convicted of crimes they simply had not committed have since campaigned tirelessly to have their cases reconsidered.

Whilst such a legal battle had been won by some, as of early last year only 93 convictions had been overturned. This meant there were still hundreds of sub-postmasters subject to wrongful convictions.

A television drama that aired last year covering the above raised even more awareness of this scandal and placed pressure upon the government to act.

This culminated in emergency laws being passed to "swiftly exonerate and compensate victims.". This ultimately led to a blanket overturning of convictions.

With regards to compensation, there are currently several schemes available, including the overturned convictions scheme.

This scheme allows those who fall into it to choose to take a £600,000.00 settlement or can enter more detailed negotiations if they feel such a payment is insufficient.

Our firm, instructed in relation to obtaining compensation, welcomed the above, which has helped pave the way for those wrongfully convicted to have their convictions overturned and obtain compensation.

We further hope lessons will be learnt so such a miscarriage of justice can never take place again.


If you have been impacted by the Post Office Horizon Scandal and are in need of advice, please do not hesitate to contact our firm. You can contact us on 0191 565 3112 or email advice@benhoarebell.co.uk. Visit www.benhoarebell.co.uk for further information.