Memo
31 May 2007
Investigation Team Post Office Limited
c.c. Graham Brander
REGINA v JOSEPHINE HAMILTON
WINCHESTER CROWN COURT
TRIAL - 10™ SEPTEMBER 2007
CASE NO: POLTD/0506/0685
Further to my previous minute regarding the above please note that Counsel
requires the following statement. Please see responses to points below, which I am
in the process of covering in further statements.
1 A further statement from Allen as to why no extra training was given on
handover ie could she explain was this because the Defendant already
knew how the system worked to a good standard.
When an applicant is interviewed for the position of spmr they would
be offered the normal training package. In cases where it is an
existing spmr or assistant who is experienced, then the training
would still be offered but in the vast majority of cases, applicants
will only ask for training on any areas where they feel it is
necessary. As there is no record of training here, then I can only
assume that Mrs Hamilton declined our offer in view of the fact that
she had been running the branch and doing the balancing on behalf
of the previous nominee spmr for a fair period of time. (N Allen)
2 A further statement of Portch, this should set out how much cash she
would expect should be held at any one time at an Office similar to the
Defendants.
Flexible Planning generates an ideal nightly cash holding based on
information from the last 6 weeks business, this takes both
payments and deposits into account. In an outlet similar to South
Warnborough, a reasonable expected maximum holding would be in
the region of the sum of the weekly payments plus around £1740 for
coin (a bag of each denomination). However, the Flexible Planning
system remains the most accurate guide to what the outlet should
hold and is the main tool we use in determining the required levels
of cash in a branch. (R Portch).
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Memo
Cont...
3 Could Portch or someone else give details of the extent of the offenders
training on Horizon, her handover, how it happened and what help /
training she got.
Because the transfer took place nearly four years ago, I can't say for
certain whether a transfer audit was done, but it is very likely that
one did take place. At transfer, the auditors check the final cash
account of the outgoing spmr and the incoming spmr is supposed to
check the cash/stock on hand. Horizon training is part of the
standard training package - I don't know where she learnt how to
use the system and very unlikely that any info would now be
available to confirm. (N Allen)
4 A further statement from Colin Woodridge regarding his conversation
about the shortfall of £1,500 in May 2003.
I do not recall a conversation around May 2003 concerning a loss of £1,500.
If I did have one, I would have offered her advice on security aspects to
ensure cash was not at risk. I have found on my laptop a log of a visit I
made to the branch on 21/01/ 2004. That refers to a loss of £3196.47, in
week 42, which started as a loss of £2,072 in week 36. I discussed the loss
at that visit and learned that the postman was being admitted to the secure
area, so told her that the practice must cease. I also discussed how the loss
could have occurred, and told her she would have to repay it. I checked with
Chesterfield that there were no matters outstanding to account for the loss,
and advised Jo that she could apply to repay the loss by instalments.
I have no record of any subsequent conversations about the loss.
I also have a record of a visit to the branch on 23/12/02 when Jo ran the branch
on behalf of Alwen Stacey, the previous postmaster. There were no issues then
with understanding of balancing or losses. I attach that log as well. My job title at
that time was Performance Advisor. ( Colin Woodbridge).
Please note that the logs referred to by Colin are included as separated
attachments on e-mail to you
5 Could a statement be provided dealing with who is available if the
Defendant finds she is struggling ie dealing what help would be afforded.
When a new spmr has been appointed, they are visited a short
while after their appointment by the local manager which at that
time would have been a Performance Advisor (Colin Woodbridge).
At that time, if a spmr required help or assistance, they could call
the Post Office helpline. If they couldn't deal with the issue, it would
have been referred to the relevant Area Office (Bournemouth) who
would attempt to sort the issue out. If it required a visit, then the
Performance Advisor would attend. (N Allen)
© Royal Mail 2002 - Page 2 of 3
Royal Mail is a trading name of Royal Mail Group plo. Registered number 4138203
Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 148 Old Street, LONDON, EC1V 3HQ.
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Memo
Cont...
JA McFarlane
Principal Lawyer
Criminal Law Division
Ref: CRM/253367/JMcF
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© Royal Mail 2002 - Page 3 of 3
Royal Mail is a trading name of Royal Mail Group plo. Registered number 4138203
Registered in England and Wales. Registered office: 148 Old Street, LONDON, EC1V 9HQ
m:\criminal work folders\mefarlane juliet - crm\253367 - hamilton\253367m17.doc