POL00047159
POL00047159
14
Memo Royal Mail
21" May 2010 Legal Services
3” Floor
Christopher G Knight 6a Eccleston Street
LONDON
SWIW 9LT
cc: Maureen Moors
eowene BRO!
www.royalmail.com
POST OFFICE LIMITED -v- ALISON HENDERSON
CASE: POLTD/0910/0167
In my opinion the evidence is sufficient to afford a realistic prospect of conviction of the above
named on a charge of theft as set out on the attached Schedule. I have not drafted a
commencement date in the theft as I am not clear when we are saying that the losses started.
Can you fill in such a date and explain to me your rationale for relying on this particular date.
Bearing in mind Mrs Henderson's explanation in relation to the loss, it does not seem appropriate
to consider false accounting charges. It would be helpful if we could obtain some evidence to
refute the possibility that the money she alleges must have gone missing was not, in fact, in the
account during the last accounting period prior to the audit.
In view of the serious nature of the alleged offence involving a large amount of money this case
is not in my opinion suitable for a caution.
This case is, in my opinion, more suitable for trial in the Crown Court.
In the event that the prosecution is authorised, please obtain summonses.
The matters which follow are for the Investigation Manager to deal with.
No further statements need be obtained at this stage.
The following statements should be obtained:-
1 Statements concerning the audit producing the audit report
2 Statements concerning the interview producing the tapes and the transcripts of interview.
3 Reference is made at page 27 of the file to a discrepancy which is shown in the Horizon
Event Logs. Could you highlight this discrepancy in a witness statement and produce any
documents that prove it.
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POL00047159
POL00047159
Memo
Cont...
4 Reference is also made in the report at page 27 to the initial entry for £6,967.28. The
paragraph goes on to explain that the other cash figure of £11,970.69 was probably a
discrepancy shown which has been re-input to achieve a zero balance. Could this theory
also be explained in the form of a witness statement producing all documents that
establish the theory. In other words, the Prosecution really need to try and prove that the
thefts in this case took place over a period of time in circumstances where the Defendant
must be the thief as she is the only person who had access to the cash at the Post Office.
In this event, please prepare one set of typed copies of those statements and exhibits. Please
also prepare typed draft lists of statements and exhibits (statements to appear in chronological
order and exhibits in the same order in which they are produced by the witnesses). A separate
typed list of witnesses, showing their addresses, should also be supplied.
You will be aware of the provisions of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996
concerning disclosure. Please confirm whether there is any material which might reasonably be
considered capable of undermining the Prosecution case or assisting the Defence case and which
has not already been disclosed. Please also let me have Forms CSOOQ6C, D and E in any event.
The papers must be sent to this Office at least 14 days before the proposed committal
proceedings or summary trial date.
It is noted that compensation in this case should be applied for in the sum of £11,957.78.
Please advise whether a financial investigation has been commenced in this case and confirm
whether or not in the event of a conviction confiscation proceedings will be pursued.
The prosecution will be conducted by my Agent, Hush Cauthery, Esq, LLB, Solicitor, 6 Queens.
Road, Wisbech PE13 2PB (Tel/fai 3
hearing date.
The ers should be returned to this Office by at least four weeks before the hearing date in
;-ordarthat.Lmau.cend.thainstructions to Agents.
_GRO
Head of criminal Law
Criminal Law Division ‘
CRM/264657/RGW/hl
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Royal Mail is a trading name of Royal Mail Group Limited. Registered number 4138203
Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 100 Victoria Embankment, LONDON, EG4Y OHO