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POL00326065
MTB
McCARTAN ITURKINGTON BREEN.
Mr John Scott
Post Office Head Office
148 Old Street
London
EC1V 9HQ
EW/LJ/1040590004/7 14 April 2015
Dear Mr Scott,
Re: Peter Damian McCartan
We refer to the papers received previously from the Security Manager, Suzanne
Winter, relating to an investigation into Sub Postmaster Peter Damian McCartan of
Ballynafeigh Post Office.
A comprehensive report was prepared and there would appear to be no doubt that
the Sub Postmaster stole £45,555.22 from the Post Office. At the termination of his
final interview (after the tape recording had been switched off) he asked the Union
representative with him, ‘if he should mention Horizon now’ and was advised not to.
The submission of the file to the Public Prosecution Service was put on hold pending
a report from specialists to address the Horizon issues.
You will be aware that the Horizon issue remains unresolved and we understand it
may be a further six to nine months before a specialist report will be available.
The alleged theft was brought to Mr McCartan’s attention on the 3" January 2013
during an audit and subsequent interviews. He was suspended and is now no longer
employed by the Post Office. While a report, referred to above, will eventually be
made available it is likely that from the date of submission of the criminal file to the
PPS there could be a further period of 12 to 18 months before a prosecution hearing.
The time period involved in this may well become a matter of adverse comment in
relation to Mr McCartan’s human rights, I have no doubt his defence team will raise
an issue in that regard.
PARTNERS SOLICITORS SOLICITORS aif BRANCH OFFICE
TAN JF ” i
‘ ‘CONSULTANT
EWaterworth Moa 3AM
jean 4 PRACTICE MANAGER
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POL00326065
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In view of this we suggest you review this matter. We could submit the file without
the specialist report and while we are confident there should be a conviction,
irrespective of the Horizon matters, they are likely to be commented upon in the
court case. We understand that may have a detrimental impact in relation to
ongoing investigations in England and Wales.
A further option is to consider the merit of continuing to await the specialist IT report
and reassess the possible Human Rights aspect when such report is available.
I await your further instructions.
Yours sincerely,
cCARTAN TURKINGTON BREEN
ERNIE WATERWORTH
Consultant
email: lesley jennings.
secretary's direct dial
cc: Simon Hutchinson