Post Office Scandal Extends Beyond Horizon System, Victims' Lawyer Says

The Post Office scandal in the UK extends far beyond the issues with the Horizon software system, according to Paul Marshall, a barrister representing victims of the scandal. A 2013 report commissioned by the Post Office but not made public at the time reveals that the presence of ATMs, lottery tickets, and other services in branches could help sub-postmasters avoid suspension, indicating that the Post Office was aware of problems with third-party systems within branches, separate from the issues with Horizon software.

Marshall believes that as a result, there are no secure convictions against any sub-postmaster by the Post Office, as evidence of third-party errors, such as ATMs, shows that the scandal extends far beyond the limited focus of bugs in Horizon. However, the upcoming blanket exoneration legislation will only overturn convictions that were based on erroneous Horizon evidence, and postmasters who have had their appeals against convictions rejected by the Court of Appeal may have lost because their offenses did not fall within the narrow scope of Horizon issues.

Why this matters: The revelation that the Post Office scandal extends beyond the Horizon system raises questions about the safety of convictions secured against sub-postmasters. It suggests that many more people may have been wrongfully prosecuted due to issues with third-party systems in post office branches, separate from those already identified as having Horizon-related problems.

The report by Detica, a consulting division of BAE Systems, concludes that "Post Office systems are not fit for purpose in a modern retail and financial environment," and IT expert Jason Coyne believes that many more people may have been affected by third-party systems, separate from those already identified as having Horizon issues.

The Post Office has expressed deep regret for the pain caused by the Horizon IT scandal and remains focused on supporting the inquiry, while the Department for Business and Trade has stated their commitment to overturning the convictions of hundreds of postmasters before the summer and addressing any further injustices through the Criminal Complaints Review Commission.

Key Takeaways

• Post Office scandal extends beyond Horizon software issues
• 2013 report reveals ATMs, lottery tickets could prevent suspensions
• Convictions may be unsafe due to third-party system errors
• Upcoming legislation to overturn only Horizon-related convictions
• Post Office and government committed to addressing injustices