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Jack Caster
From: McGowan, Stephen \(PF, Major Crime & Fatalities Investigation\) on behalf of
lajor Crime & Fatalities Investigation\)
Sent: 0 March 2014 14:38
To: Belinda Crowe
Ce: DSC PA \(Gill Sandison\) \(Gioia Ezzi\)
Subject: RE: Horizon System in Scottish Criminal Prosecution
Dear Belinda
I wonder if you have had the opportunity to consider my email?
Regards
Stephen
From: McGowan, Stephen (PF, Major Crime & Fatalities Investigation)
Sent: 11 March 201
To: 'Belinda.Crowe: +
Cc: DSC PA (Gill Sandison) (Gioia Ezzi)
Subject: Horizon System in Scottish Criminal Prosecution
Dear Belinda
neral for
I refer to our telephone conversation yesterday. I explained that on behalf of the Solicitor G
Scotland, we have been considering a prosecution brought in 2004 of an Elaine Doran, born:
who was alleged to have embezzled approximately £7000 from a Sub Post Office in Cumnock,
Lanarkshire. On behalf of the Solicitor General I am carrying out a review of Mrs Doran's case.
That prosecution depended upon Mrs Doran having no acceptable explanation for a discrepancy
between the cash in the Sub Post Office and that which should have been there according to the
Horizon System. The criminal prosecution was based upon the amounts that were due to be there
according to the System.
Our concern is whether or not we took up a case on the basis of potentially flawed evidence. Iam
aware of the second site report into the Horizon System which when it was published in July 2013 had
not found evidence of systemic problems with Horizon software but was aware of two incidents where
defects or "bugs" in the Horizon System gave rise to certain branches being affected by incorrect
balances or transactions.
Was the Horizon System in 2004 the same system that was in place when the second site review was
done?
In order to be able to assess the accuracy of the Horizon evidence it is essential to know how the
System worked and whether it was accurate. I would be grateful if this case could be reviewed by the
Post Office in order that I can make an assessment as to whether or not the prosecution was brought
appropriately.
Iam happy to discuss any matters raised in this email and am grateful in advance for your assistance.
Regards
Stephen McGowan
Procurator Fiscal
Major Crime & Fatalities Investigation
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