POL00044824
POL00044824
Witness Statement
(CJ Act 1967, s9; MC Act 1980, ss 5A(3)(a)
and 5B, MC Rules 1981, r 70)
Statement of Paul Graham WHITAKER
Age if under 18 Over 18 (If over 18 insert ‘over 18')
This statement (consisting of three pages each signed by me) is true to the best of my knowledge and
belief and I make it knowing that, if it is tendered in evidence, I shall be liable to prosecution if I have
wilfully stated in it anything which I know to be false or do not believe true.
Datedthe 24th dayof November 2004
Signature P.Whitaker
Iam employed by the Post Office and have been so for over nineteen years. I currently perform
the duties of an Investigation Manager for Post Office Limited. I am responsible for carrying out
investigations into possible criminal offences committed against the business.
On Thursday 13" May 2004 I was contacted by Glen Morris Post Office Ltd Inspector, who
informed me that he was at Riby Square Subpostoffice in Grimsby and that he had been informed
by David Blakey the husband of the Subpostmistress Gillian Blakey, to expect a shortage in the
account of some £60,000. He told me that he had performed a quick check of the cash on hand at
the Subpostoffice, which had confirmed Mr Blakeys statement. Mr Morris told me that He had
obtained from Mr Blakey a signed written explanation as to the cash shortage and the reasons for
it. I informed Mr Morris that I would attend the office immediately.
As such, along with Helen Dickinson Post Office Limited Investigation Manager, I Travelled to
Riby Square Subpostoffice and met Mr Morris. He apprised me of the events of the morning and
informed me that he was close to reaching a final figure for the audit, however indications at that
time suggested that the shortage in the Subpostoffice accounts was close to £64,000. Also at this
time Mr Morris handed to me a document signed by Mr Blakey which Mr Morris said that Mr
Blakey had given to him that morning. This document has been given the identification number
Signature P.Whitaker Signature witnessed by R. Heppenstall
CS011 (Side A) Version 3.0 11/02
POL00044824
POL00044824
Witness Statement
(CJ Act 1967, s9; MC Act 1980, ss 5A(3)(a) and 5B, MC Rules 1981, r 70)
Continuation of statement of Paul Graham WHITAKER
GM 1, and I now sign the identification label to which it is attached. I then approached David
Blakey, introduced Mrs Dickinson and I to him, and invited him to interview.
At 13.50 hours on 13" May 2004 in an office at Riby Square Subpostoffice Grimsby I
commenced a tape-recorded interview with David Charles Blakey in the presence of Helen
Dickinson. Following the introductions I cautioned Mr Blakey and he read through form CS
001, which he completed. I now produce this form and have signed the identification label
attached bearing item reference PGW 1. During the course of the interview I showed Mr Blakey
the following items.
GM 1 — Written explanation of events given to Glen Morris on morning of 13" May 2004.
PGW 1 - Form CS001, Explanation of Legal Rights
PGW 2 — Riby Square Subpostoffice Cash Account. Week 52 of year 2003/04
PGW 3 — Riby Square Subpostoffice Cash Account. Week 7 of year 2004/05
PGW 4 — Riby Square Subpostoffice Cash Account Week 2 of year 2003/04
PGW 5 — Riby Square Subpostoffice Cash Account Week 27 of year 2003/04
I now produce those items and sign the identification labels to which they are attached.
Mr Blakey signed the Master tape seals 059898 and 059899 before the interview was concluded
at 14.25. I now produce the Master tapes of this interview and have signed the identification
labels attached, bearing item numbers PGW 6 and PGW 7 respectively. I also produce tape
summaries of the interview and have signed the identification labels attached bearing item
numbers PGW 8 and PGW 9.
After my interview with Mr Blakey I then invited Gillian Blakey to interview.
Signature P. Whitaker Signature witnessed by R. Heppenstall
CSOt1A Version 3.0 11/02
POL00044824
POL00044824
Witness Statement
(CJ Act 1967, s9; MC Act 1980, ss 5A(3)(a) and 5B, MC Rules 1981, r 70)
Continuation of statement of Paul Graham WHITAKER
On the same afternoon commencing at 14.59 hours and ceasing at 15.41 hours, in the presence of
Helen Dickinson I interviewed Gillian Blakey. Following the introductions I cautioned Mrs
Blakey and she read through form CS 001, which she completed. I now produce this form and
have signed the identification label attached bearing item reference PGW 10. During the course
of the interview I showed Mrs Blakey the following item.
PGW 11 — Riby Square Subpostoffice Cash Account Week 28 of year 2003/04
I now produce that item and sign the identification label to which it is attached.
Mrs Blakey signed the Master tape seal 059887 before the interview was concluded. I now
produce the Master tape of the interview and have signed the identification label attached,
bearing item numbers PGW 12. I also produce a summary the key points of this interview and
have signed the identification label attached bearing item numbers PGW 13.
Signature P. Whitaker Signature witnessed by R. Heppenstall
CSOt1A Version 3.0 11/02