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Message
From: Evelyn Hocking
on behalf of Evelyn Hocking:
Sent: 09/01/2024 .
To: Andrew Mortimer I GRO aad
Subject: FW: Strictly Privileged & Highly Confidential - Post Office
Attachments: Ministerial consideration of POL's role in appeals [PP-DOCS.FID71323]; RE: Media coverage for The Post Office: The
Post Office, 06012024 (06:40); RE: Media coverage for The Post Office: The Post Office, 06012024 (06:40); Re: Media
coverage for The Post Office: The Post Office, 06012024 (06:40)
Could you look at this re the Governance piece and I will get you to join a call with Nicola at 2.30
From: Simon Recaldin
Sent: 08 January 2024 00:30
To: Benjamin Tidswell
Cc: Evelyn Hocking f GRO i
Subject: FW: Strictly Privilege ighly Confidential - Post Office
Ben
FYI — see below and attached feedback from P&P please let me know if you think I should share with Lorna and Brian as
well.
More balanced feedback to my suggestion below provided by Diane, Richard and Nick attached.
Thanks
Regards
Simon
Simon Recaldin
Remediation Unit Director
i id Street I London I EC2V 7ER
GRO
The information classification of this email is confidential unless otherwise stated
From: Simon Recaldin
Sent: 07 January 2024 22:06
Richard Taylor Nick Read
Nicola
art Lill
hris Brocklesby
I think we should all be aware of the attached received tonight from P&P.
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It is not marked as advice nor has it been requested and is sent proactively by a very collaborative and concerned
partner.
In case of legal sensitivities I have taken the liberty of taking externals off copy and think the above subject matter
should apply please. I have said the same to the people who it has been sent to too.
For awareness on the back of this, in a note to Carl I have sent tonight re ideas for speeding up compensation, I have
strongly recommended that the Secretary for Justice is briefed by P&P — a similar briefing went down well with the AB in
terms of them understanding the dilemma Post Office face and where subsequently the AB turned their attention away
from Post Office and more to the MoJ and CCRC.
No doubt speak tomorrow.
Regards
Simon
Simon Recaldin
Remediation Unit Director
Street I London I EC2V 7ER
Subject: Strictly Privileged & Highly Confidential - Post Office - Fraud
All
All options/ideas should be welcomed and considered.
My initial advice:
1. The media reports have confirmed that Met Police have been conducting an investigation since 2020.
2. POL does not have any special private prosecution powers. Therefore, if there is any review into private
prosecutions then it would likely be a broader examination of private prosecutions given the POL scandal with
perhaps law reform recommendations that may curtail them in some way or at least introduce further controls
around independences and or disclosure obligations.
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4. We should review Project Bramble and the Simon Clarke advice (Gareth Jenkins issue ie knowing of bugs and
that not coming to light during the prosecutions or civil recovery process). I have subsequently become aware
that the POL Board was aware of this at least back in February 2019 — apparently my predecessor had a
conversation with board — thanks to my review of documents though Im not a party to them which is a different
issue for another time).
7. Governance — it is not clear to me how these issues going forward are being managed. I would suggest a
workstream reporting (Simon, Diane, myself, Richard, -happy for others to be added) to a strategic executive
team AND to board.
8. Comms - we will need to issue comms to the company given the extensive reporting this weekend to provide
some reassurance we are aware of a Met Police investigation and we are pleased that more people have come
forward and we continue to progress compensation etc. I would flag an excellent LinkedIn post by Lee Taylor
(retail director) addressing the ITV drama.
Kind regards
Ben
Ben Foat (He/Him)
Group General Counsel
100 Wood Street
London
From: Simon Recaldin ¢
Sent: 07 January 2024 1
All understood.
Clearly something is happening as the PM confirmed it.
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As Lee Castleton said - perception or otherwise - we are part of the problem. ‘It’s a war’.
To Diane’s point, we’re only defending appeals on the basis of the law/Hamilton which is completely correct.
As Hudgell says if the government decide to change the rules to speed things up/exonerate - like the £600k - that’s fine
and we would of be course be supportive. So why don’t we get in early and welcome any review?
Reversing this, would we not be criticised for not welcoming such a review?
Please not wishing to be disruptive as not the best qualified in such strategic matters just trying to ensure we have as
many angles covered as possible.
Regards
Simon
Simon Recaldin
Remediation Unit Director
Post Office Ltd I 100 Wood Street I London I EC2V 7ER
Tel
From: Richard Taylor <
Sent: Sunday, Januar
To: Simon Recaldin ¢
Ce: Diane Wills <
<GRO ; Tom Allison < GRO
Subject: RE: Media coverage for The Post Office: The Post Office, 06012024 (06:40)
k>; Ben Foat
Simon
lam not aware that there is a formal review being conducted by the Justice Secretary. The Sunday Times uses terms
like “exploring” and “looking at” different issues e.g. approach to private prosecutions, all based from a single source.
This is how Government regularly responds to news stories receiving political scrutiny. It allows, for example, the Prime
Minister on the Laura Kuenssberg show to state that something is happening.
As you say we can only operate within the law. I recommend that our overall approach, particularly to criminal appeals,
is to be consistent that this is a matter for the courts.
We can, as we have, use every opportunity to call for more people to come forward.
Let’s discuss further.
Thanks
Richard
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Richard Taylor <b.
Chris Brock
by GRO 4; Ben Foat
Probably a bit radical but we could also proactively welcome the Justice Secretary’s review of how to
exonerate/compensate the 700.
This would emphasise that Post Office can only work within the law hence only 93. If Alex Chalk can find another way
we would welcome this.
Given the current environment and the position of the AB I can’t see how DBT/the Minister could/would not support.
This would also support the current helpful momentum that appears to be focused on government.
It would also nail any misconceptions that we don’t want to pay, are dragging our feet and when we do pay we are being
tight.
A bit strategic for me but an opportunity?
Regards
Simon
Simon Recaldin
Remediation Unit Director
Post Office Ltd I 100 Wood Street I London I EC2V 7ER
Tel:
Emai
From: Nick Read < GRO I"
Sent: Saturday, Janyary.6,.2024 2:42:25 PM
To: Richard Taylor <
Cc: Diane Wills
Bri r
_}; Chris
>; Tom Allison
Subje Media coverage for The Post Office: The Post Office, 06012024 (06:40)
Sounds good, thank you.
Nick Read
Group CEO
EA:
100 Wood Street
London EC2V 7AN
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postoffice.co.uk
>; Chris
_3; Tom Allison
Yes — will align latest data and lines to these points; and consideration of tactics to persuade journalists to include.
Thanks
Richard
From: Nick Read <
Sent: 06 January 2024 13:32
To: Richard Tayl . > ;
Cc: Diane Will GRO >; Simon Recaldin, _>; Chris
; Ben Foat <__ Tom Allison
W: Media coverage for The Post Office: The Post Office, 06012024 (06:40)
Importance: High
Richard,
A brief summary of today’s media coverage would suggest we need to do a little more to ensure there is no lasting
danger of ‘bleed’ into today’s POL.
-Mealy-mouthed POL apology
-Slow/little compensation for the 700
-POL lawyers believe some are exaggerating losses
-Won't compensate those that don't come forward
-Inquiry delay is due to POL/its legal team
-Lawyers are dragging their feet on disclosure
-Horizon contract extension — why ?!
I want to get ahead of the curve, please. Can we produce one pagers on the issues described above in preparation for
next week. What are the facts, how would we respond, what is the reality (as opposed to the perception).
The risk of slow compensation and disclosure failure is the real challenge. I have heard both Diane and Simon articulate
strong defences/rebuttals over the weeks (at QSR in Diane’s case and at the Board from Simon). Please capture these
facts.
We will need this for Monday. Richard, please may you coordinate from the subject matter experts.
Thank you
Nick
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Nick Read
Group CEO
100 Wood Street
London EC2V 7AN
postoffice.co.uk
From: Onclusive ¢, GRO >
Sent: 06 January 2024 06:41
To: Onclusive <_ GRO iq
Subject: Medid. “Post Office, 06012024 (06:40)
Caution: This email has been sent by an external contact. Please take care when clicking links or opening
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THE POST OFFICE - 06/01/2024
Click here to access your coverage and analytics platform
ALL COVERAGE
All Articles
POST OFFICE - NATIONALS
All Articles
Met examining ‘potential fraud’ over Post Office Horizon scandal
The Daily Telegraph, 06/01/2024, p.4, Daily Telegraph Reporter
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed amid the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. It has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history and a public inquiry
into it is ongoing.
Article
Post Office injustice
The Daily Telegraph, 06/01/2024, p.17, Unattributed
Tim Oldfield writes, ‘The Post Office Horizon scandal (Letters, January 5) is outrageous. If the Government can't do something about
it urgently, what is it there for? Please compensate all the affected sub-postmasters, deliver immediate justice to the victims,
aggressively pursue the Post Office executives responsible - and do it now.’
Article
Letters: Navy recruitment failures leave Britain vulnerable at a time of growing danger
The Daily Telegraph Online, 06/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Tim Oldfield writes, ‘The Post Office Horizon scandal (Letters, January 5) is outrageous. If the Government can't do something about
it urgently, what is it there for? Please compensate all the affected sub-postmasters, deliver immediate justice to the victims,
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aggressively pursue the Post Office executives responsible - and do it now.’
Article
It's high time Adam Crozier accounted for his role in the Post Office scandal
The Daily Telegraph Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Itis years since the appalling truth about the Post Office submasters scandal began to emerge. Yet it is hardly a surprise that
questions still continue to be asked about what is now confirmed as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. An
‘ongoing public inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams is now the focus of the inquisition. The premiere this week of ITV's dramatisation of the
scandal, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, has prompted viewers to ask about the omission of former Royal Mail chief Adam Crozier from
the four-part drama.
Article
Letters: There can be no further delay in justice for the Horizon scandal victims
The Daily Telegraph Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Letter: Malcolm Parkinson writes, "Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, claims to have been misled by Post Office
executives over the Horizon scandal when he was postal affairs minister (report, January 4). We should expect ministers to follow
their instincts, not roll over at the least resistance. Sir Ed is now putting himself forward as a potential prime minister, but he is quite
obviously not up to the role."
Article
My Week The party leader WhatsApp group*
The Times, 06/01/2024, p.32, Unattributed
Sir Ed Davey says, ‘Seeing as we're all here, I hope we can agree not to score points over the horrible Post Office thing.'
Article
The party leader WhatsApp group*
The Times Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Sir Ed Davey says, ‘Seeing as we're all here, I hope we can agree not to score points over the horrible Post Office thing.’
Article
What the Post Office did to me and other Horizon victims was criminal
The Times, 06/01/2024, p.34, Damian Whitworth
There are many moving moments in ITV's series about the Post Office scandal, but one of the most affecting is when Jo Hamilton
turns up in court for sentencing. The sub-postmaster, wrongly accused of stealing £36,000, enters the courtroom to find it packed with
people from her Hampshire village who are outraged by the prosecution, convinced of her innocence and determined to demonstrate
their support.
Article
Jo Hamilton: What the Post Office did to Horizon victims was criminal
The Times Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
There are many moving moments in ITV's series about the Post Office scandal, but one of the most affecting is when Jo Hamilton
turns up in court for sentencing. The former sub-postmaster, wrongly accused of stealing £36,000, enters the courtroom to find it
packed with people from her Hampshire village who are outraged by the prosecution, convinced of her innocence and determined to
demonstrate their support.
Article
Post Office and the miscarriage of justice
The Times, 06/01/2024, p.26, Unattributed
Andrew Edgar writes, "Sir, That the Post Office has acted in a reprehensible manner has been evident for a very long time. However,
the ITV programme Mr Bates vs the Post Office (letters, Jan 5) brings home the devastating consequences of the actions, deceit,
destruction of documents and deliberate obfuscation of a mighty corporation for honest individuals. Even taking into account that
some of the scenes may have been added into the drama, the essential facts, actions and horrific consequences are there for all to
see."
Article
Times letters: Post Office and the miscarriage of justice
The Times Online, 06/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Andrew Edgar writes, “Sir, That the Post Office has acted in a reprehensible manner has been evident for a very long time. However,
the ITV programme Mr Bates vs the Post Office (letters, Jan 5) brings home the devastating consequences of the actions, deceit,
destruction of documents and deliberate obfuscation of a mighty corporation for honest individuals. Even taking into account that
some of the scenes may have been added into the drama, the essential facts, actions and horrific consequences are there for all to
see."
Article
How despair tore through families of postmasters
The Times, 06/01/2024, p.5, Tom Witherow
A daughter who developed a severe eating disorder after her family was bankrupted in the Post Office scandal is part of an attempt to
win compensation for traumatised family members. Millie Castleton, 28, was admitted to hospital with anorexia after the Post Office's
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prosecution of her father caused her mental health to plummet. The supply teacher, from Burniston, near Scarborough, was spat at
by other pupils at school and attacked, leaving her "terrified" to take the school bus. Her weight fell to 5st.
Article
An Endless Scandal
The Times, 06/01/2024, p.27, Unattributed
They say you shouldn't make a drama out of a tragedy. Thank God that in this case they have. The four-part ITV series on the Post
Office Horizon scandal is a taut, coruscating indictment of official complacency, deceit and wilful obstructionism that has enraged
many of the 3.6 million viewers and made an overwhelming case for an immediate settlement of the wrongs caused by what has
become the greatest miscarriage of justice in England in modem times.
Article
The Times view on the Post Office: An Endless Scandal
The Times Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Sir Ed Davey, now leader of the Liberal Democrats and the postal affairs minister in the coalition government from 2010 to 2012 when
the scandal was coming to light, now claims he was “deeply misled” by senior Post Office executives who tried to stop him from
meeting campaigners. It is all very well for him now to say he regrets not doing more. But is it not the job of a minister to investigate a
scandal in his domain? The public inquiry, due to last three years, is already a year behind schedule. The blame again lies with the
Post Office and especially its legal team.
Article
What the Post Office did to me and other Horizon victims was criminal
The Times (Scotland), 06/01/2024, p.34, Damian Whitworth
Hamilton, 66, says she does not believe that Paula Vennells, who was chief executive of the Post Office from 2010 to 2019, was
directly involved in prosecutions, but thinks she should have tackled the problem and ensured justice and compensation for those
wrongly convicted. “Instead of getting to the bottom of it all and putting it right, she fought us in the High Court. And if she had
stopped it, my mum and dad would have seen me get my conviction quashed and we wouldn't have had more years of misery."
Article
Post Office faces police inquiry over IT scandal
The Times, 06/01/2024, p.1, Catherine Baksi; Tom Witherow; Jonathan Ames
The Post Office is under criminal investigation over the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters, Scotland Yard
confirmed for the first time last night. Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed in the handling
of the Horizon IT scandal. Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted at least 700 postmasters over allegations of fraud,
theft and false accounting based on evidence from the faulty computer system. Hundreds were bankrupted or jailed and at least four
took their own lives.
Article
Horizon scandal: Police investigate Post Office ‘potential fraud’
The Times Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
The Post Office is under criminal investigation over the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters, Scotland Yard
confirmed for the first time on Friday evening. Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences” committed in the
handling of the Horizon IT scandal. Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted at least 700 postmasters over allegations of
fraud, theft and false accounting based on evidence from the faulty Horizon computer system.
Article
Need to know
The Times (Scotland), 06/01/2024, p.44, Unattributed
The Post Office is under criminal investigation over the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters, Scotland Yard has
confirmed. Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" in the handling of the Horizon IT scandal.
Article
Gilded lives of the Post Office scandal bosses that prove penitence is only for the little people
Daily Mail, 06/01/2024, p.28, Guy Adams
As chief executive of the Post Office from 2012, Paula Vennells presided over the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history,
resulting in countless ruined lives, not only Post Office staff but their families. Along the way, she's been accused of various appalling
professional oversights, many of which are chronicled in the ITV drama, where she is played by The Crown star Lia Williams.
Article
Fraud probe into Post Office fiasco
Daily Mail (Scotland), 06/01/2024, p.9, Unattributed
THE Post Office is under criminal investigation for fraud following the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters. More than 700 staff
were accused of crimes on the basis of evidence gathered by the Horizon IT system. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told
The Times officers are ‘investigating potential fraud offences’ relating to 'monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of
prosecutions or civil actions’.
Article
Gilded lives of the Post Office scandal bosses that prove penitence is only for the little people
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Daily Mail (Scotland), 06/01/2024, p.28, Guy Adams
As chief executive of the Post Office from 2012, Paula Vennells presided over the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history,
resulting in countless ruined lives, not only Post Office staff but their families. Along the way, she's been accused of various appalling
professional oversights, many of which are chronicled in the ITV drama, where she is played by The Crown star Lia Williams.
Article
The gilded lives of the Post Office scandal bosses that prove penitence is only for the little people... A new ITV drama has
enraged the nation. Wait until you read what happened
Mail Online UK (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Sir Ed Davey's journey to the leadership of Britain's third party began in 2010, when he was appointed Minister for Postal Affairs in
the coalition government. Davey wrote back, primly informing Bates that this staggering miscarriage of justice was ‘an operational and
contractual matter’ for the Post Office. The future Lib Dem leader concluded: '! do not believe a meeting would serve any useful
purpose.’
Article I Link
Gilded lives of the Post Office scandal bosses that prove penitence is only for the little people
Mail+ (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
THE scandalous persecution of hundreds of innocent sub-postmasters, wrongly accused of theft, false accounting and fraud, and
cruelly dragged through the courts, was brought to life in this week's hit ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Article I Link
Police launch fraud probe into IT scandal at Post Office
Daily Mail, 06/01/2024, p.4, Cameron Charters
THE Post Office is under criminal investigation for fraud after the wrongful prosecution of subpostmasters, Scotland Yard confirmed
last night. More than 700 staff had their lives ruined between 1999 and 2015 when they were accused of crimes on the basis of
evidence gathered by the faulty Horizon IT system. A spokesman for the Metropolitan Police told The Times detectives are
‘investigating potential fraud offences’ relating to 'monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions’.
Article
Police to probe Post Office over “potential fraud offences" in wake of Horizon scandal that resulted in more than 700
subpostmasters wrongfully convicted for "stealing"
Mail Online UK (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The Post Office is under criminal investigation for fraud after the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters. Scotland Yard confirmed
last night that the organisation is being investigated by detectives for alleged fraud offences over their handling of the Horizon
scandal. For more than two decades, former Post Office staff fought to clear their names. Now they are in a position where those
responsible for their suffering are under investigation.
Article I Link
Police launch fraud probe into IT scandal at Post Office
Mail+ (Web), 06/01/2024, Unattributed
The Post Office is under criminal investigation for fraud after the wrongful prosecution of sub-postmasters, Scotland Yard confirmed
last night.
Article I Link
Police investigate “potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Mail Online UK (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. It has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history and a public inquiry
into it is ongoing.
Article I Link
“She must have no moral compass at all": Victims of the Horizon scandal take aim at ex-Post Office chief Paula Vennells as
they relive the anxious wait to be arrested and facing up to losing everything when they were wrongly accused of theft and
fraud
Mail Online UK (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Victims of the Horizon scandal have taken aim at ex-Post Office chief Paula Vennells as they relive the anxious wait to be arrested
when they were wrongly accused of theft and fraud. More than 700 postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft,
fraud and false accounting between 1999 and 2015 as a result of the faulty Horizon IT system.
Article I Link
Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Amy Nuttall calls for boss to be stripped of their CBE following “utterly heartbreaking"
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scandal
Mail Online UK (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Amy Nuttall has branded the real life scandal ‘utterly heartbreaking’ and backed a petition for the
company's former boss Paula Vennells to be stripped of her CBE. The actress, 41, played Lisa Castleton in the four-part ITV series,
which followed the story of hundreds of subpostmasters wrongly prosecuted for theft by the Post Office due to a faulty IT system.
Article I Link
POST I.T. FRAUD PROBE
The Sun, 06/01/2024, p.26, Unattributed
THE Post Office is under criminal investigation for the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters. Metropolitan Police
detectives are looking at whether fraud offences were committed in the handling of the Horizon IT scandal. It says it is focusing on
money clawed back as a result of prosecutions and civil action. However, it is unclear whether the probe relates to individual staff or
the Post Office as a corporate entity.
Article
FRAUD PROBE Post Office under criminal investigation for wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters
The Sun Online, 06/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
THE Post Office is under criminal investigation for the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters. Metropolitan Police
detectives are looking at whether fraud offences were committed in the handling of the Horizon IT scandal. It says it is focusing on
money clawed back as a result of prosecutions and civil action. However, it is unclear whether the probe relates to individual staff or
the Post Office as a corporate entity.
Article
FRAUD PROBE Post Office under criminal investigation for wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters
Scottish Sun Online, 06/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
THE Post Office is under criminal investigation for the wrongful prosecution of hundreds of sub-postmasters. Metropolitan Police
detectives are looking at whether fraud offences were committed in the handling of the Horizon IT scandal. It says it is focusing on
money clawed back as a result of prosecutions and civil action. However, it is unclear whether the probe relates to individual staff or
the Post Office as a corporate entity.
Article
Post Office under criminal inquiry over potential fraud
The Guardian, 06/01/2024, p.4, Safi Bugel
The Post Office is under criminal investigation over "potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon scandal, the Metropolitan
police have confirmed for the first time. Officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising out of these prosecutions", for
example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters [operators] as a result of prosecutions or civil actions", Scotland Yard said
yesterday evening.
Article
Post Office under criminal investigation for potential fraud over Horizon scandal
The Guardian.com (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The Post Office is under criminal investigation over "potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon scandal, the Metropolitan
police have confirmed for the first time. Officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising out of these prosecutions", for
example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters [operators] as a result of prosecutions or civil actions", Scotland Yard said on
Friday evening.
Article I Link
Prosecutions are on the Horizon
Daily Express, 06/01/2024, p.18, Richard; Judy
Alan Bates was a Llandudno postmaster who was the first to smell a rat. Thanks to him, the Post Office's wrongful persecution,
prosecution and prohibition of more than 700 entirely innocent post office operators has long been a matter of record. These
hardworking pillars of their local communities were harassed, hustled and harried for allegedly stealing thousands of pounds from
their employers.
Article
The Horizon Post Office scandal is beyond a disgrace, fumes Richard Madeley
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Alan Bates was a Llandudno postmaster who was the first to smell a rat. Thanks to him, the Post Office's wrongful persecution,
prosecution and prohibition of more than 700 entirely innocent post office operators has long been a matter of record. These
hardworking pillars of their local communities were harassed, hustled and harried for allegedly stealing thousands of pounds from
their employers.
Article I Link
Police inquiry over ‘potential fraud’ in Post Office scandal
The Daily Express (London), 06/01/2024, p.13, Nicola Methven
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Detectives are investigation “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post Office branch
managers were convicted after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money was missing from their outlets. It
has been described as the biggest British miscarriage of justice.
Article
Police investigating “potential fraud offences" after Post Office Horizon scandal
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Detectives are looking into "potential fraud offences" committed during a Post Office scandal that saw 700 people handed criminal
convictions due to faulty IT software. The Horizon accounting system appeared to show money was missing from Post Office outlets.
As a result, at least 700 branch managers were prosecuted after allegations of fraud, theft and false accounting between 1999 and
2005.
Article I Link
Post Office scandal petition blows up hours after ITV drama as 500,000 show support
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A petition launched in the wake of the Post Office scandal has quickly amassed tens of thousands of signatories. More than 500,000
people have said Paula Vennells, the company's former chief, should be stripped of her CBE, with support growing rapidly overnight.
The number of people giving the 38 Degrees petition their backing exploded almost overnight, surging from 100,000 to its current total
of 505,963.
Article I Link
Top pollster pinpoints major clue Rishi Sunak has given away exact general election date
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey , who is under pressure over his role on the Post Office Horizon scandal, accused the PM of
“bottling it". Mr Sunak set out his expectations for a later election after Labour started claiming a spring vote is the "worst kept secret
in Parliament" in a ploy to prepare the way for allegations the PM is "squatting" in Downing Street.
Article I Link
Ed Davey's credibility “hanging by thread" with MPs furious at role in Post Office scandal
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Pressure is growing for Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey to be forced to answer questions at a public inquiry over his role in the
cover-up of the Post Office scandal which saw hundreds of sub-postmasters prosecuted and imprisoned. The issue hit the headlines
after ITV broadcast Mr Bates v the Post Office, the tragic story of one of the sub-postmasters whose life was destroyed by the false
allegations that they had taken thousands of pounds off the Post Office.
Article I Link
‘Give all Post Office scandal victims fair compensation’
Daily Express, 06/01/2024, p.13, Nicola Methven
Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Julie Hesmondhalgh has urged outraged viewers of the ITV drama to write to their MP and demand
compensation for victims. Her plea is passed on from Alan Bates (played by Toby Jones), the heroic subpostmaster who has fought
for the truth for more than 20 years. Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted hundreds of subpostmasters based on
information from faulty accounting system Horizon. Some wrongfully went to prison.
Article
‘Give all Post Office scandal victims fair compensation‘
Daily Express (Scotland), 06/01/2024, p.3, Nicola Methven
Carol Vorderman said that it was time to make changes to the British legal system so the likes of Post Office chief executive Paula
Vennells could be held to account. "We understand so much more now about the depths to which those who govern will sink in order
to protect only themselves," she said.
Article
Mr Bates vs The Post Office fans baffled over MP"s unexpected cameo "He"'s an actor now?"
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The former Chancellor portrayed himself during episode three of the programme when he gave The Post Office's former CEO Paula
Vennells a tough line of questioning on a Select Committee. Zahawi was on a Select Committee in 2015 which inspected alleged
issues with the "faulty" Horizon IT system The Post Office used between 1999 and 2015.
Article I Link
Should ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells lose her CBE? Have your say
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
British businesswoman and former Anglican priest Paula Vennells served as CEO of the Post Office from 2012 to 2019, a time when
the organisation repeatedly denied there were issues with the Horizon system. She went on to be awarded a CBE for “for services to
the Post Office and to charity" in 2019. In 2021 she issued an apology for the scandal saying: "I am truly sorry for the suffering
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caused."
Article I Link
Mr Bates" Amy Nuttall backs petition to strip ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells of CBE
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Mr Bates vs The Post Office star Amy Nuttall is one of the many thousands backing a petition to strip ex Post Office boss Paula
Vennells of her CBE after the highly-publicised scandal unfolded in ITV 's new drama. The 64-year-old was the chief executive of the
Post Office from 2012 to 2019 and was awarded a CBE at the end of her reign. The ITV four-part series, focused on former
subpostmaster Alan Bates (played by Toby Jones), has been described as "the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British legal
history" after more than 700 people who were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a faulty computer system
called Horizon.
Article I Link
Met's officers in Post Office ‘fraud probe’
The Daily Mirror, 06/01/2024, p.7, Susie Beever
POLICE are looking at potential fraud offences in the Post Office IT scandal. More than 700 branch managers were accused of
wrongdoing after faulty Horizon software made it appear cash was missing. The Met said officers were probing “potential fraud
offences arising out of these prosecutions". They could relate to “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions
or civil actions".
Article
Met Police probing Post Office over “potential fraud offences" during Horizon scandal
Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
More than 700 Post Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear
as though money was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening officers were "investigating potential fraud
offences arising out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil
actions".
Article I Link
CBE for Post Office boss says it all about our honours system
The Daily Mirror, 06/01/2024, p.21, Brian Reade
Brian Reade says, “Lady Michelle Mone, still a member of the Lords despite admitting she lied about her links to a firm that made
£60million off taxpayers from PPE that was never used. And Paula Vennells, who led the Post Office from 2012-2019 when more
than 700 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted for theft, fraud and false accounting due to a flawed computer system which
resulted in many of them being jailed or made bankrupt."
Article
CBE for Post Office boss says it all about our honours system
The Daily Mirror (Ulster), 06/01/2024, p.28, Brian Reade
Brian Reade says, “Lady Michelle Mone, still a member of the Lords despite admitting she lied about her links to a firm that made
£60million off taxpayers from PPE that was never used. And Paula Vennells, who led the Post Office from 2012-2019 when more
than 700 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted for theft, fraud and false accounting due to a flawed computer system which
resulted in many of them being jailed or made bankrupt."
Article
“CBE for Post Office boss says it all about our honours system"
Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Lady Michelle Mone , still a member of the Lords despite admitting she lied about her links to a firm that made £60million off
taxpayers from PPE that was never used. And Paula Vennells, who led the Post Office from 2012-2019 when more than 700 sub-
postmasters were wrongly prosecuted for theft, fraud and false accounting due to a flawed computer system which resulted in many
of them being jailed or made bankrupt.
Article I Link
“Lexposed the Mr Bates vs Post Office scandal 15 years ago - no one would listen"
Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Rebecca Thomson says, "When I first spoke to former sub-postmaster Lee Castleton the first thing that struck me was his
desperation. The trials and tribulations he suffered — like hundreds of other sub-postmasters — are breaking the hearts of millions of
viewers watching this week's ITV real-life drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office , in which he is played by Will Mellor. Serious problems
with the Post Office's Horizon accounting software, supplied by Japanese firm Fujitsu in 1999, were wrongly being blamed on
innocent staff."
Article I Link
Petition to strip ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells of CBE soar above 330k after ITV drama
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Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A petition demanding ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells is stripped of her CBE has gained tens of thousands of signatures overnight
- skyrocketing from 100,000 to over 300,000 in a matter of hours. The urgent demand comes after ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post
Office examining the IT scandal that led to hundreds of workers' lives being ruined and some wrongfully convicted shed light on the
scandal once again. More than 700 branch managers were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015, in what has been described as the
biggest miscarriage of justice in British legal history.
Article I Link
And now ..justice tice
The Daily Mirror, 06/01/2024, p.34, Nicola Methven
The drama has led to calls for new legislation so that those responsible for the scandal, such as Post Office CEO Paula Vennells,
played by Lia Williams, can be brought to justice. Carol Vorderman, who handed Alan a Mirror Pride of Britain award last year, said:
“We understand so much more now the depths to which those who govern will sink to protect themselves."
Article
And now ..justice tice
The Daily Mirror (Ulster), 06/01/2024, p.30, Nicola Methven
The drama has led to calls for new legislation so that those responsible for the scandal, such as Post Office CEO Paula Vennells,
played by Lia Williams, can be brought to justice. Carol Vorderman, who handed Alan a Mirror Pride of Britain award last year, said:
“We understand so much more now the depths to which those who govern will sink to protect themselves."
Article
ITV Mr Bates vs The Post Office viewers make same demand after ‘disgusting" ending
Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The four-part mini-series documents one of Britain's greatest miscarriages of justice , which was sparked by the Post Office's
introduction of computer system Horizon in 1999. The accounting programme was rolled out across the country but it wasn't long
before sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses started reporting issues, including Alan Bates, who famously led a class action suit
against the Post Office in the 00s.
Article I Link
“ITV"s Mr Bates vs The Post Office has ignited the fury of a nation"
Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Thousands were wrongfully accused of fraud after millions went missing due to the failure of a £ ‘billion Japanese computer system.
Hundreds were convicted and went to jail. Four took their own lives. The dark story of the Great Post Office Robbery-That-Never-Was
cried out to be told.
Article I Link
Mr Bates Vs The Post Office star urges viewers to demand compensation for victims
Mirror.co.uk (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
In the final instalment, largely set in the courtroom, viewers saw the bittersweet victory in which Alan Bates and his supporters proved
that they were innocent and victims of a Post Office and Futitsu cover-up. They won £58m but once the legal fees had been paid
there was £12m left - and shared between the 555 it amounted to around £20,000.
Article I Link
Met Police investigates Post Office over ‘potential fraud’
The Independent Daily Edition, 06/01/2024, p.12, Ted Hennessey
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. It has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history and a public inquiry
into it is ongoing.
Article
Police investigate Post Office over ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
The Independent (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking into “potential fraud offences" committed during a Post Office scandal that saw 700 people
handed criminal convictions due to faulty IT software. The Horizon accounting system appeared to show money was missing from
Post Office outlets. As a result, at least 700 branch managers were prosecuted after allegations of fraud, theft and false accounting
between 1999 and 2005.
Article I Link
SCANDALOUS Mr Bates vs The Post Office fans break down at ‘disgusting’ finale — fuming ‘no show has ever made me this
angry!’
The Sun Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
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Mr Bates vs The Post Office fans admit they broke down in tears after watching the “disgusting” series finale while and have voiced
their anger about how terribly the subpostmasters were treated by the Post Office. The four-part series starring Toby Jones, Julie
Hesmondhalgh and Monica Dolan concluded on ITV last night. Mr Bates vs The Post Office chronicled the true story of the massive
Post Office scandal, where more that 700 branch managers, known as subpostmasters, were convicted of stealing.
Article
SCANDALOUS Mr Bates vs The Post Office fans break down at ‘disgusting’ finale — fuming ‘no show has ever made me this
angry!’
Scottish Sun Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Mr Bates vs The Post Office fans admit they broke down in tears after watching the “disgusting” series finale while and have voiced
their anger about how terribly the subpostmasters were treated by the Post Office. The four-part series starring Toby Jones, Julie
Hesmondhalgh and Monica Dolan concluded on ITV last night. Mr Bates vs The Post Office chronicled the true story of the massive
Post Office scandal, where more that 700 branch managers, known as subpostmasters, were convicted of stealing.
Article
Met cops probe PO scandal
Daily Star, 06/01/2024, p.2, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon scandal, it emerged last night.
More than 700 Post Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu software made it appear money
was missing from their outlets. The scandal has been dramatised in ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Article
Police open investigation into “potential fraud" at UK Post Office
FT.com (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed Sign into FT.com
Police have opened an investigation into the UK Post Office, as the state-owned business faces further probes into its role in the
Horizon IT scandal.
Article I Link
Horizon scandal: Police investigate Post Office over ‘potential fraud offences"
iNews (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Post Office's Horizon scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening officers were "investigating potential fraud offences arising out of
these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
My husband went to prison over the Post Office scandal ? we lost everything
iNews (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted more than 700 of its sub-postmasters over supposed false accounting or fraud.
Shortfalls in cash had been recorded by the new Horizon computer system — but it had software errors and defects. People's
livelihoods were ruined, some were sent to prison and at least one person is reported to have taken their own life as a result. Siema
Kamran, 48, worked as a sub-postmistress from November 2001 to September 2003. Her husband, Kamran Ashraf, was a Post
Office manager.
Article I Link
Horizon scandal petition to strip Paula Vennells of CBE
Morning Star Online (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Almost 500,000 people have signed a petition demanding that former Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells be stripped of her
CBE. The disgraced executive oversaw the wrongful sackings of more than 500 postmasters and postmistresses accused of theft and
fraud because of a fault in the Post Office's Horizon computer system. Horizon identified the "loss" of hundreds of thousands of
pounds from the accounts of individual Post Offices.
Article I Link
Metropolitan Police investigate Post Office over “potential fraud offences" during Horizon scandal
Evening Standard (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Police are investigating the Post Office for “potential fraud offences" Metropolitan Police detectives are investigating the Post Office
over “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon scandal. The scandal saw more than 700 Post Office branch managers
handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money was missing.
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Evening Standard (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
More than 700 Post Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear
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as though money was missing from their outlets. It has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history
and a public inquiry into it is ongoing. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences
arising out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
POST OFFICE - NATIONALS - FINANCIAL
All Articles
ISA RATES
Financial Times, 06/01/2024, p.11, Unattributed Sign into FT.com
Post Office Money is featured in the article.
Article
SAVINGS
Financial Times, 06/01/2024, p.11, Unattributed Sign into FT.com
Post Office Money is featured in the article.
Article
SAVINGS RATES
The Daily Telegraph, 06/01/2024, p.7, Unattributed
Post Office Money is featured in the article.
Article
Bank offers “excellent” 4.7% interest rate on three-year fixed savings account
Daily Express (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Zenith Bank is offering a three-year fixed rate savings account paying 4.7 percent interest , earning an "excellent"
Moneyfactscompare rating. The account can be opened with a minimum £1,000 investment by savers aged 18 and over and interest
is paid on the anniversary. But while Zenith Bank may be offering an appealing deal, it isn't currently topping the table. Post Office
Money is offering a three-year fix with an Annual Equivalent Rate (AER) of five percent.
Article I Link
POST OFFICE - NATIONALS - TRAVEL
All Articles
The best family holidays for children of every age
The Daily Telegraph, 06/01/2024, p.15, Unattributed
“Clients don't want villas anymore because they feel it means they are doing too much on holiday. But this is the best of both worlds.
And I think Portugal does it better than anywhere else," says Emma Barnett of Tots Too. Many of the country's hybrid resorts are in
the Algarve, a region that is the cheapest place to take a holiday in the Eurozone, according to the Post Office's 2023 Holiday Money
Report.
Article
POST OFFICE — REGIONALS — NETWORK OPERATIONS
All Articles
Post office temporarily shut after raiders strike
Express and Star (City), 05/01/2024, p.9, Unattributed
A post office in the Black Country has temporarily closed after cash was taken in a New Year's Day burglary. The break-in took place
at the Post Office branch on Union Street in Tipton at around 1.30am on Monday. A Post Office spokeswoman did not confirm when
the site was expected to reopen, but said staff are working to restore it "as soon as possible". A statement issued by Post Office said:
“We are supporting the operator of the branch, who is assisting the police in their efforts.
Article
Tipton post office temporarily shut after burglars take cash in New Year's Day break-in
West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A Tipton post office has temporarily closed after cash was taken in a New Year's Day burglary. The break-in took place at the Post
Office branch on Union Street at around 1.30am on Monday. A Post Office spokeswoman did not confirm when the site was expected
to reopen, but said staff are working to restore it “as soon as possible". A statement issued by Post Office said: "We are supporting
the operator of the branch, who is assisting the police in their efforts."
Article I Link
Tonbridge Post Office opens permanent branch in town centre to replace temporary castle unit which began trading
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following high street closure of WHSmith
KentOnline (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A town's Post Office which has been plagued with problems has finally found a permanent home. The difficulties for the Tonbridge
branch began when it had to move out of WHSmith in the High Street in July 2022. Post Office's network provision lead Emily Clive
said: “We are delighted there is now a permanent Post Office in Tonbridge again and with longer opening hours."
Article I Link
Councillor's plea over closure of post office
Yorkshire Post, 06/01/2024, p.7, Unattributed
Acouncillor is pressing Post Office bosses for clear answers over the future of his ward's local branch. Calderdale Councillor George
Robinson has written to Post Office chiefs about Hipperholme Post Office's closure and is urging residents to sign a petition lobbying
for it to be reopened. His letter to the Post Office outlines its importance for the community, urging them to take steps to reopen the
branch, and encouraging them to outline what is actually happening now and what will happen next.
Article
Fears post office will not reopen
Newcastle Journal, 06/01/2024, p.9, Unattributed
Halt whistle's post office is set to close at the end of the month following the resignation of the serving postmaster. In a letter to
customers seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the Post Office has insisted the branch in Belford House on Main Street
will only be closed "temporarily" from January 30. However, it added that the "opportunity" could be taken to establish an “alternative
type of service".
Article
POST OFFICE - REGIONALS
All Articles
Post Office scandal is a lesson for us all
Yorkshire Post, 06/01/2024, p.12, Unattributed
William Loneskie says, “It is actually frightening to see the way the Post Office Investigation Branch behaved like the Stasi, and the
way postmasters and postmistresses were treated. Between 2000 and 2014 more than 700 were wrongfully convicted of stealing
cash. One Surrey postmistress was sentenced to 15 months in prison when she was pregnant. Others committed suicide. All were
bankrupted."
Article
Post Office CEO should lose CBE
Easter Daily Press , 06/01/2024, p.28, Unattributed
The excellent series of programmes Mr Bates vs the Post Office on ITV1 this week has raised massive public outrage at the way the
Post Office treated some of their most loyal and trustworthy sub-postmasters. There is now a petition calling for Paula Vennels,
former CEO of the Post Office to have her CBE rescinded.
Article
Scandal which still stains our justice system
Blackpool Gazette, 06/01/2024, p.11, Mike Hill
The screening this week of a new drama about the Post Office scandal has once again turned the spotlight on one of the most
shameful episodes of recent British history. ITV's Mr Bates vs The Post Office is based on the real-life story of postmaster Alan Bates
and the legal battle he led and won, paving the way for dozens of convictions to be overturned in what has become known as the
Horizon IT scandal.
Article
Minister hints at backing CBE call
Northern Echo (North Edition), 06/01/2024, p.2, Unattributed
MPs in the North East and North Yorkshire have voiced their horror in the wake of a drama series illuminating "the biggest
miscarriage of justice in the country". Mr Bates vs. The Post Office has enraptured the nation this week, retelling the story of the
British Post Office, where a faulty IT system, Horizon, led to life-devastating prosecutions of fraud, theft and false accounting for
postmasters.
Article
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Dorset Echo (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
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Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
The National (Scotland) (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Bolton News (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
North West Evening Mail (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
KentOnline (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
West Midlands Express & Star (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Wrexham Leader (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Southern Daily Echo (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at "potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Poli investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
South Wales Argus (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
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out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Belfast Telegraph (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions",
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Brighton & Hove Argus (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Lancashire Evening Telegraph (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
York Press (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
The Courier and Advertiser (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
East Anglian Daily Times (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Worcester News (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
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Oxford Mail (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Telegraph & Argus (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Bournemouth Daily Echo (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Press and Journal (Aberdeen) (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Shropshire Star (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are “investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example “monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences’ during Horizon IT scandal
Herald Scotland Online, 05/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Northern Echo (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The Met has already been looking into potential offences of perjury and perverting the course of justice in relation to investigations
and prosecutions carried out by the Post Office. Two people have been interviewed under caution but nobody has been arrested
since the investigation was launched in January 2020. After ITV aired a drama into the scandal, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office starring
actor Toby Jones, 50 new potential victims have approached lawyers, it has been said.
Article I Link
Police investigate ‘potential fraud offences" during Horizon IT scandal
Glasgow Evening Times (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Metropolitan Police detectives are looking at “potential fraud offences" committed during the Horizon IT scandal. More than 700 Post
Office branch managers were handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money
was missing from their outlets. Scotland Yard said on Friday evening that officers are "investigating potential fraud offences arising
out of these prosecutions", for example "monies recovered from sub-postmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions".
Article I Link
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‘I want them to hold their hands up - admit they were wrong’
Western Daily Press (Late City), 06/01/2024, p.3, Paul Greaves
A former West Country subpostmaster who was jailed as part of the Post Office IT scandal has described the profound impact the
ordeal has had on her life. Janine Powell burst into tears when a judge jailed her for 18 months in 2008. During her prison stint, she
was forced to spend up to 23 hours a day in her cell due to staffing shortages. Janine was working at a branch in Tiverton when she
was wrongly accused of stealing £74,000.
Article
Scandal which still stains our justice system
Lancashire Evening Post, 06/01/2024, p.13, Mike Hill
The screening this week of a new drama about the Post Office scandal has once again turned the spotlight on one of the most
shameful episodes of recent British history. Jacqueline ran the business with her family and when the Lancashire Post office was in
Fulwood I was a frequent visitor to the Post Office as they ran a great sandwich counter. It was always nice to call into what was a
genuine family business with Jacqueline and her husband and three adult children all behind the counter working hard to make the
operation a success.
Article
ITV drama on Post Office drama shocks
Pembrokeshire Herald, 05/01/2024, p.7, Unattributed
VIEWERS in Pembrokeshire were left in disbelief during the latest episode of the gripping ITV drama, "Mr Bates vs The Post Office,"
which shed light on the alleged tampering of the secure £1 billion IT system by Fujitsu staff. The series, based on the real-life saga of
postmaster Alan Bates, portrayed how innocent subpostmasters, accused due to the faulty Horizon system, faced charges of theft,
fraud, and false accounting.
Article
Post Office drama highlights travesty
Evening News (Norwich), 06/01/2024, p.24, PETER RIDDLE
The excellent series of programmes Mr Bates vs the Post Office on ITV1 this week has raised massive public outrage at the way the
Post Office treated some of their most loyal and trustworthy sub-postmasters. There is now a petition calling for Paula Vennels,
former CEO of the Post Office to have her CBE rescinded.
Article
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer reveal their views amid calls for ex-Post Office boss to loss CBE
Birmingham Live (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer have refused to intervene in a row over whether a former Post
Office boss should be stripped of her CBE. Paula Vennells oversaw the Post Office while it routinely denied there were problems with
its faulty Horizon IT system. It meant postmasters were wrongly accused of fraud in what has been dubbed as the most widespread
miscarriage of justice in UK history. Demands for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to remove Ms Vennells CBE resurfaced after ITV
's new drama into the scandal, Mr Bates vs The Post Office, aired.
Article I Link
Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The real trauma of the Horizon Post Office scandal in Yorkshire
Yorkshire Post (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
When he was standing in the dock at the High Court nearly 20 years ago, subpostmaster Lee Castleton truly believed truth would
prevail. But as a gripping ITV drama showed this week, instead, after a two-year legal fight he was bankrupted, pursued for £321,000
costs by the Post Office, who it seems wanted to punish him for his temerity in standing up to their might.Lee, 55, who was played by
Will Mellor in Mr Bates versus the Post Office - younger, thinner maybe, but every bit as passionate - still believes that truth will
triumph.
Article I Link
ITV Mr Bates vs the Post Office “start petition" after final episode and say “it"s only right"
Birmingham Live (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
ITV Mr Bates vs the Post Office viewers have demanded Paula Vennells be stripped of her CBE as they revive a petition. 40,000
have signed a Change.org petition calling for the CBE to be removed following the latest ITV drama, which stars Toby Jones in the
leading role. "The EX CEO Paula Vennells who decided to resign days before the first substantial judgement was released by the
High Court has since been awarded a CBE, a position in the cabinet office of government and also chairs one of the largest NHS
Groups (Imperial NHS)," said the creator.
Article I Link
Mr Bates vs The Post Office: Bradford man praises ITV show
Telegraph & Argus (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A BRADFORD man who was caught up in the Post Office Horizon scandal has backed a petition calling for a former boss to be
stripped of her CBE. The Horizon scandal, which has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history,
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saw more than 700 Post Office branch managers handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear
as though money was missing.
Article I Link
Mr Bates v the Post Office: Horizon IT scandal saw powerful authorities hunt innocent sub-postmasters like prey -
prosecutions must follow
Yorkshire Post (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Back in March 2022, with the story still not receiving the level of attention its scandalous content deserved, a headline ran in this
newspaper that said: Post Office Horizon IT scandal has all the hallmarks of Putin's Russia - as Official Secrets Act used against
innocent postmasters. That was just one of a number of articles commissioned and published in these pages, as the true size and
scale of what is this country's most ignominious, notorious, infamous miscarriages of justice ever.
Article I Link
Bolton actress joins calls for former Post Office to lose her medal after ITV drama
Bolton News (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Bolton actress Amy Nuttall is the latest to join calls for former Post Office boss to lose her CBE over the scandal which saw more than
700 Post Office branch managers handed criminal convictions after faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though
money was missing. The scandal is described as one of he biggest miscarriages of justice in British history and is currently the
subject of a powerful ITV drama, Mr Bates Vs The Post Office starring Amy.
Article I Link
Thirsk minister calls for ex-Post Office boss to give up CBE
Northern Echo (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
MPs in the North East and North Yorkshire have voiced their horror in the wake of a drama series illuminating "the biggest
miscarriage of justice in the country". Mr Bates vs. The Post Office has enraptured the nation this week, retelling the story of the
British Post Office, where a faulty IT system, Horizon, led to life-devastating prosecutions of fraud, theft and false accounting for
postmasters. Kevin Hollindrake, MP for Thirsk, and Postal Services minister in his role in the business department, called for the ex-
Post Office boss Paula Vennells to hand back her CBE.
Article I Link
“The last words my wife said to me were "that bloody Post Office" - Bankrupt Brighouse postmaster''s Horizon hell
YorkshireLive (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Asubpostmaster from Brighouse is still fighting for compensation from The Post Office after he went bankrupt following the Horizon
scandal. In 1999, Stefan Fountain, now 66, was made redundant from his job at an engineering firm after the company was sold. As a
result, he decided to buy a Post Office after taking out a bank loan and completing training in how to run the office.
Article I Link
West Country sub-postmaster describes "hurt" and dark times in prison
Bristol Post (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A former West Country sub-postmaster who was jailed as part of the Post Office IT scandal has described the profound impact the
ordeal has had on her life. Janine Powell burst into tears when a judge jailed her for 18 months. During her prison stint , she was
forced to spend up to 23 hours a day in her cell due to staffing shortages. Janine was working at a branch in Tiverton when she was
wrongly accused of stealing £74,000, reports Devon Live.
Article I Link
Post Office is much more than a mail service
Belfast Telegraph (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Like many long-standing companies, the Post Office has had to change remarkably over the years to remain financially viable. For
those who weren't all that aware of the scandal of the early 2000s, which continued for 15 years — and, with hindsight, it didn't
receive anything like the publicity it needed at the time — TV viewers have been brought right up to date thanks to ITV's Mr Bates vs
The Post Office. In a statement from the National Federation of Subpostmasters, Gary Massey who runs Castlereagh Post Office in
Belfast, warned that any such action would only further punish those who are trying to make a living.
Article I Link
Post Office is much more than a mail service
Belfast Telegraph (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Like many long-standing companies, the Post Office has had to change remarkably over the years to remain financially viable. For
those who weren't all that aware of the scandal of the early 2000s, which continued for 15 years — and, with hindsight, it didn't
receive anything like the publicity it needed at the time — TV viewers have been brought right up to date thanks to ITV's Mr Bates vs
The Post Office. In a statement from the National Federation of Subpostmasters, Gary Massey who runs Castlereagh Post Office in
Belfast, warned that any such action would only further punish those who are trying to make a living.
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Article I Link
Sunak declines to back calls for ex-Post Office boss to lose CBE
Northern Echo (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have both resisted backing calls for a former Post Office boss to lose her CBE over the Horizon
scandal. Demands for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to remove the honour from Paula Vennells have emerged again after ITV
aired a new drama into the scandal, which has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history.
Article I Link
Sunak declines to back calls for ex-Post Office boss to lose CBE
The National (Scotland) (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have both resisted backing calls for a former Post Office boss to lose her CBE over the Horizon
scandal. Demands for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to remove the honour from Paula Vennells have emerged again after ITV
aired a new drama into the scandal, which has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history.
Article I Link
Sunak declines to back calls for ex-Post Office boss to lose CBE
Wrexham Leader (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have both resisted backing calls for a former Post Office boss to lose her CBE over the Horizon
scandal. Demands for the Honours Forfeiture Committee to remove the honour from Paula Vennells have emerged again after ITV
aired a new drama into the scandal, which has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history.
Article I Link
Man denies threatsat Post Office
Cumberland News (City), 05/01/2024, p.11, Unattributed
Atrial has been scheduled for a 33-year-old Carlisle man who is accused of threatening a person while at Morton Post Office. Gary
Ferguson, from Stonegarth, Morton, formally denied the allegation when he appeared before magistrates at the city's Rickergate
court. He was told he must return to the court for a trial on the afternoon of February 5. He was granted bail on condition that he does
not approach the alleged victim and does not go to the Newlaithes Avenue Post Office.
Article
Bank services ‘vital’ to neighbourhoods
John O Groat Journal, 05/01/2024, p.15, John Davidson
A SURVEY of older people across Scotland has highlighted the importance of bank and post office branches closer to their home.
Almost a third of people questioned said that 20-minute neighbourhoods would not work in their community due to a lack of available
local services and facilities. Age Scotland's Big Survey 2023 asked older people about the Scottish Goverment proposal, currently
under consideration, which aims to allow everyone access to essential goods and services within a 20-minute journey from home.
Article
Mr Bates vs The Post Office: The innocent Greater Manchester sub-postmaster whose life was destroyed by the Horizon
scandal
ManchesterEveningNews (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
For years, hundreds of innocent people running Post Office branches were wrongly accused and convicted of crimes they didn't
commit. Errors caused by flawed computer accounting system Horizon saw discrepancies in the books at Post Offices across the
country. For years, hundreds of innocent people running Post Office branches were wrongly accused and convicted of crimes they
didn't commit. Errors caused by flawed computer accounting system Horizon saw discrepancies in the books at Post Offices across
the country.
Article I Link
SPECIAL REPORT "It is such a massive miscarriage of justice, so blatant in terms of what happened.” The Post Office
scandal, the TV drama and the people behind the headlines PAGES 14 AND 15
Yorkshire Post, 06/01/2024, p.11, Unattributed
Caption: "Special report “It is such a massive miscarriage of justice, so blatant in terms of what happened." The Post Office scandal,
the TV drama and the people behind the headlines.
Article
Justice is catching up with real villains of Post Office scandal
The Scotsman, 06/01/2024, p.23, Brian Wilson
Sir Ed Davey, now Liberal Democrat leader, was in the dock of public opinion this week for failure to act while he had Ministerial
responsibility for the Post Office between 2010 and 2012. He claimed to have been “deeply misled by Post Office executives" and
presumably his own officials, as intermediaries. That should be tested not only in the case of Ed Davey but every Minister who had
the same responsibility as the scandal developed. To what extent, and at what level, were civil servants colluding with Post Office top
brass to keep politicians in ignorance, for fear of the grisly truth being uncovered?
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Article
‘They should hold their hands up and say: we were wrong’
Western Morning News (Devon), 06/01/2024, p.10, Paul Greaves
A former sub-postmaster from Devon who was jailed as part of the Post Office IT scandal says the TV drama about the shameful
miscarriage of justice is like seeing her own extraordinary life story played back to her. Janine Powell says ITV's Mr Bates vs The
Post Office is “exactly how it was". Janine was working at a branch in Tiverton when she was wrongly accused of stealing £74,000.
Her life fell apart as she was sacked, arrested, charged and convicted at a trial in Exeter in 2008. S
Article
Drama highlights shock and injustice suffered by so many
Western Morning News (Devon), 06/01/2024, p.20, Unattributed
Running a community Post Office is far from an easy job, with varied responsibilities, complicated administration and multiple
demands. But for Janine Powell it was a role she embraced wholeheartedly when she became sub-postmaster at Cowleymoor Post
Office in Tiverton back in 2005. Moving in above the outlet with her children she was “eager to serve the people of my community,"
adding: "It was my hometown. I was a sociable and confident person and enjoyed the interaction with the public." She was excited
about her new role and confident she could make it work.
Article
The heroism and the suffering in a scandal beyond compare
Yorkshire Post, 06/01/2024, p.14, Alex Wood
A Government Minister says he is "very hopeful" that individuals involved in the Post Office cover up scandal will face prosecution.
Thirsk and Malton MP Kevin Hollinrake, who is Postal Affairs Minister, spoke amid mounting public outrage over revelations in ITV's
drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office which has shown distressing scenes of suicide and self-harm among subpostmasters falsely
accused of stealing when a faulty IT system was to blame.
Article
Victim tells of trauma in scandal at post office
Yorkshire Post, 06/01/2024, p.1, Unattributed
Actor Toby Jones stars in Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which aired on New Year's Day, while former Bridlington sub postmaster, Lee
Castleton, played by Will Mellor in the programme, says he ‘lost everything’ as a result of the now-notorious Horizon accounting
software, which made it appear as though money was missing. This week postal services minister Kevin Hollinrake called on former
Post Office boss Paula Vennells to hand back her CBE, and said he hoped that individuals involved in the Post Office cover-up
scandal will face prosecution.
Article
‘People have found courage the fight goes on’
The Scotsman, 06/01/2024, p.4, Martyn Mclaughlin
Myra Philp, who was among those who had their lives turned upside down by the Post Office's actions, said she hoped the four-part
TV drama would expedite the fight for justice. She pointed out that since the programme began, dozens of those affected had applied
for compensation. Nick Read, the current Post Office chief executive, said it had paid over £120m in compensation to date. He said:
"We hope that the ITV drama will raise further awareness and encourage anyone affected who has not yet come forward to seek the
redress and compensation they deserve."
Article
Subpostmasters respond to negative comments following ITV drama
Worcester News (Web), 06/01/2024, Unattributed
Following backlash triggered by an ITV drama, subpostmasters have urged people to continue supporting post offices in
Worcestershire. A social media outpouring of criticism against the ITV drama series, ‘Mr Bates vs The Post Office’, has put the
livelihoods of local postmasters at risk. The four-part show outlines the grievous Horizon scandal and has incited several viewers to
boycott post offices nationwide.
Article I Link
My wife's last words were: ‘That bloody Post Office’
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 06/01/2024, p.4, Sebastian McCormick
A SUB-POSTMASTER is still fighting for compensation from the Post Office after he went bankrupt following the Horizon scandal. In
1999, Stefan Fountain, now 66, was made redundant from his job at an engineering firm after the company was sold. As a result, he
decided to buy a Post Office after taking out a bank loan and completing training in how to run the office.
Article
‘Still time to come forward!
Huddersfield Daily Examiner, 06/01/2024, p.5, Unattributed
AT the end of December, the Post Office published their latest set of compensation data relating to the victims of the Horizon IT
scandal. A Post Office spokesperson added: "We are acutely aware of the human cost of the scandal and are doing all we can to
right the wrongs of the past, as far as that is possible. Both Post Office and government are committed to providing full, fair and final
compensation for the people affected. To date offers of compensation totalling more than £138m have been made to around 2,700
postmasters, the vast majority of which have been agreed and paid. Interim payments continue to be made in other cases which have
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not yet been resolved."
Article
And now ..justice tice
Daily Record, 06/01/2024, p.30, Nicola Methven
THE stars of Mr Bates vs The Post Office have appealed to viewers outraged by the scandal to help get justice for the victims. In the
ITV drama, Toby Jones plays sub-postmaster Alan Bates, who spent 20 years fighting for people falsely accused of fraud because of
the faulty Horizon computer accounting system.
Article
Viewers fume after watching Mr Bates vs The Post Office
Lancashire Evening Telegraph (Web), 06/01/2024, Unattributed
Viewers have been left feeling furious, and fundraisers have been launched, after watching an ITV drama that stars an actress. Mr
Bates vs The Post Office which started on Monday night (January 1), tells the story of Alan Bates (Toby Jones) as he and other sub-
postmasters and postmistresses fight to clear their name after being wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting due to a
defective IT system.
Article I Link
Bank closure will ‘hit town charities’
New Milton Advertiser, 05/01/2024, p.6, Chris March
From 28,000 customers in New Forest West, they said 133 people were using the branch monthly. The representative advised that all
Halifax customers can withdraw and deposit cash for free over the counter and pay in cheques at the post office next door. But at the
recent F&GP meeting Cllr Keith Craze pointed out post offices had limits on the amount of cash paid in. “My concern is for local
charities that still receive cash donations," he said.
Article
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Post Office Horizon inquiry warrants police investigation: Report
Asian Voice, 06/01/2024, p.2, Unattributed
A public inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal at the Post Office has provided sufficient evidence for police to investigate senior staff,
according to lawyers representing postmasters wrongly convicted due to faults in the Horizon computer system. Hundreds of
postmasters were erroneously prosecuted and convicted between 1999 and 2015. In the ongoing public inquiry, postmasters have
asserted that senior Post Office staff were aware of the system's flaws or chose to ignore them.
Article
Post office breaks cash withdrawal record amidst cost of living crisis
Asian Voice, 06/01/2024, p.5, Unattributed
Post Office witnesses recordbreaking £62 million cash withdrawal before Christmas, amidst rising cost of living. Media reported a
recordbreaking cash withdrawal of over £62 million from Post Office branches across the UK just before Christmas. This figure
surpassed last year's record of £51 million on the same day. The surge in cash transactions underscores the significant increase in
the cost of living over the past couple of years, with inflation reaching a 41- year high of 11.1% last year but declining to 3-9% in
November.
Article
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Post Office scandal: I was on suicide watch in the same prison as Rose West when I was wrongly accused of stealing
#60,000 from the Post Office - this has never just been about compensation, it"s about justice
This Is Money (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Janet Skinner, 52, from Hull , has spoken of her ordeal, having been falsely accused of stealing £60,000 from the Post Office she ran
- resulting in the loss of her home and a stint in a drug-infested prison where she was forced to rubbed shoulders with child killers.
The mother served three months of a nine-month sentence following a roundup of 230 former postmasters and postmistresses jailed
in one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in Britain's recent history.
Article I Link
Post Office scandal: Minister suggests for former Post Office boss gives up CBE
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
MPs in the North East and North Yorkshire have voiced their horror in the wake of a drama series illuminating "the biggest
miscarriage of justice in the country". Mr Bates vs. The Post Office has enraptured the nation this week, retelling the story of the
British Post Office, where a faulty IT system, Horizon, led to life-devastating prosecutions of fraud, theft and false accounting for
postmasters. Kevin Hollindrake, MP for Thirsk, and Postal Services minister in his role in the business department, called for the ex-
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Post Office boss Paula Vennells to hand back her CBE.
Article I Link
Mr Bates vs The Post Office viewers demand ex-boss is stripped of CBE as petition signatures reach 450k
OK! Magazine (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A petition demanding ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells is stripped of her CBE has soared to nearly 500,000 signatures in recent
days. The urgent demand from viewers comes after the ITV drama series Mr Bates vs The Post Office focusing on ‘the greatest
miscarriage of justice in British legal history’ - aired on ITV and ITVX on New Year's Day.
Article I Link
Mr Bates vs the Post Office: what's the real story of the Post Office scandal?
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
When Alan Bates arrived in Llandudno, in 1998, it was with the intention of making a fresh start. Together with his long-term partner
Suzanne, the pair had invested their life savings into buying a Post Office branch in the sleepy village of Craig-y-Don. In 1999 he,
along with thousands of other subpostmasters, received training in the new Horizon IT system introduced by the Post Office. It was
the end result of a failed experiment — originally, Horizon was intended to be a swipe card system, designed to pay out pensions and
benefits from Post Office branches. Begun in 1996, it was eventually scrapped in May 1999, and had cost roughly £700m in
taxpayers' money.
Article I Link
Petition to strip ex-Post Office boss of CBE honour rockets after ITV drama ? 8-min read In this article: Paula Vennells
British businesswoman and Anglican priest
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Mr Bates vs The Post Office looks back at the scandal which resulted in more than 700 Royal Mail staff members prosecuted
between 2000 and 2014 based on incorrect information on the service's computer system. Sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses
were wrongly accused of theft, fraud and false accounting, some of whom were subsequently convicted and jailed. Vennells, who
served as Royal Mail CEO from 2012 to 2019, oversaw the organisation whilst it routinely denied there were problems with its Horizon
IT system. She was awarded a CBE "for services to the Post Office and to charity" in the 2019 new year honours list.
Article I Link
Post Office misled me about scandal, insists Ed Davey
BBC (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Sir Ed Davey is facing further pressure over his handling of the Post Office IT scandal when he was postal affairs minister in the
coalition government. In May 2010, the Liberal Democrat leader refused to meet Alan Bates, the sub-postmaster who led the
campaign to expose the scandal, saying he did not believe it “would serve any purpose". He has now said he was “deeply misled by
Post Office executives".
Article I Link
It"s high time Adam Crozier accounted for his role in the Post Office scandal
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
It is years since the appalling truth about the Post Office submasters scandal began to emerge. Yet it is hardly a surprise that
questions still continue to be asked about what is now confirmed as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. An
‘ongoing public inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams is now the focus of the inquisition. The premiere this week of ITV's dramatisation of the
scandal , Mr Bates vs The Post Office, has prompted viewers to ask about the omission of former Royal Mail chief Adam Crozier from
the four-part drama.
Article I Link
Breaking Post Office investigated by police over “potential fraud offences"
Sky News (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The Metropolitan Police is investigating "potential fraud offences" arising from the Post Office pursuing prosecutions of hundreds of
postmasters. The police confirmed on Friday that they were looking into the handling of the Horizon IT scandal - "such as the monies
recovered from subpostmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions". They are also separately looking into “potential offences
of perjury and perverting the course of justice" in an investigation that was launched in January 2020.
Article I Link
It"s high time Adam Crozier accounted for his role in the Post Office scandal
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
It is years since the appalling truth about the Post Office submasters scandal began to emerge. Yet it is hardly a surprise that
questions still continue to be asked about what is now confirmed as one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. An
‘ongoing public inquiry led by Sir Wyn Williams is now the focus of the inquisition. The premiere this week of ITV's dramatisation of the
scandal , Mr Bates vs The Post Office, has prompted viewers to ask about the omission of former Royal Mail chief Adam Crozier from
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the four-part drama.
Article I Link
Post Office scandal: TV drama prompts sub-postmasters to come forward
BBC (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Fifty new potential victims of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal have contacted lawyers after ITV broadcast a drama about the case
this week. Neil Hudgell, a lawyer acting for claimants, told the BBC that the new enquiries include former sub-postmasters who were
given convictions. Some 54 cases have resulted in a conviction being upheld, people being refused permission to appeal or the
person appealing withdrawing from the process, according to the Post Office.
Article I Link
Police investigate Post Office over “potential fraud offences" after wrongful prosecution of subpostmasters
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The Metropolitan Police is investigating the Post Office over "potential fraud offences" after the wrongful prosecution of
subpostmasters. The police confirmed on Friday that it is looking into the handling of the Horizon IT scandal - “such as the monies
recovered from subpostmasters as a result of prosecutions or civil actions". Detectives are also separately looking into “potential
offences of perjury and perverting the course of justice" in an investigation that was launched in January 2020.
Article I Link
Post Office scandal: Met Police investigate “potential fraud offences"
BBC (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
More than 700 Post Office branch managers were accused of wrongdoing after faulty accounting software made it appear money was
missing. The Met said it was investigating possible fraud offences from these cases. Neil Hudgell, a lawyer who acts for claimants,
told the BBC that some of those seeking advice were former sub-postmasters who were prosecuted by the Post Office.
Article I Link
4 patients die after a fire breaks out at a hospital in northern Germany
Yahoo! UK and Ireland (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Rishi Sunak and Sir Keir Starmer have both resisted backing calls for a former Post Office boss to lose her CBE over the Horizon
scandal.
Article I Link
People in Clapham are calling on the Post office not to close the branch
TV.com (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Residents in South London are rallying against the closure of their area's only Post Office. The Clapham Common branch is at risk of
closure in the coming weeks, as the proposal of a building redevelopment offers the chance for the business to break its lease. The
fallout of the Horizon scandal has cost the Post Office millions of pounds, and cost-cutting measures are part of why the service could
driven out of Clapham.
Article I Link
Sussex man suffers PTSD over Post Office scandal
BBC (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
A former Sussex sub-postmaster wrongfully convicted during the Horizon Post Office scandal has described his treatment as “worse
than murder". Sami Sabet ran three post offices - two in Shoreham and one in Portslade - and was convicted of false accounting in
2009. He was one of more than 700 people convicted in what became known as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British
Legal History, when it became clear the Post Office's accounting software was to blame.
Article I Link
This week's best savings rates
Your Money (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
For three-year fixed bonds, Post Office Money has a Growth Bond (Issue 57) with a rate of 5.00% AER. An initial investment of £500
is needed to get going, while if you want early access this account is not for you. Further additions are also not permitted on the deal
which needs to be opened in branch or by post, although it can be managed online.
Article I Link
Breaking Police investigate Post Office over “potential fraud offences" after wrongful prosecution of subpostmasters
Sky News (Web), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
Former subpostmasters and subpostmistresses were held liable by the Post Office for financial discrepancies thrown up by its
computerised accounting system Horizon. Faulty Fujitsu accounting software made it appear as though money was missing from their
outlets. The Metropolitan Police is investigating the Post Office over “potential fraud offences" after the wrongful prosecution of
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subpostmasters.
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POST OFFICE - BLOGS
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Petition to strip ex-Post Office boss of CBE reaches over 400,000 signatures after ITV drama
The London Economic (Blog), 05/01/2024, Unattributed
The new ITV drama covers the events behind the Post Office scandal , which saw numerous postmasters wrongly prosecuted
between 1999 and 2015 for theft, false accounting, and/or fraud after mysterious financial losses kept appearing in village post office
tills. Mr Bates vs The Post Office follows the story of Alan Bates, who along with his partner Suzanne Sercombe in 1998, used life
savings to buy a Post Office branch in Llandudno, North Wales. In the wake of this, the real-life Bates has called for the Post Office's
CEO from 2012 to 2019, Paula Vennells, to be stripped of her CBE.
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