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Recorded Delivery
Claire Webb
Post Office Legal Services
5" Floor
148 Old Street
London
EC1V 9HQ
Dated: 28"July 2014
County Court at Manchester Hearing 8" September 2014 at 3:10pm j
Ref: Azfar Syed -v-Post Office Ltd I
Case NO: 3YQ70170
Dear Claire Webb
! enclose by way of service the following documentation ahead of case hearing.at County
Court at Manchester to deal with my application for set aside judgment.
1. Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20" July 2014
2. Exhibits ASW1-ASW12
Kindly acknowledge receipt.
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Witness: Azfar Syed i
Statement number: 1 :
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6 H
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9 I
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3¥Q70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:- I
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POST OFFICE LTD I
Claimant I
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-and- j
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
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WITNESS STATEMENT OF AZFAR SYED i
I, Azfar Mahmood Syed date of birth RG el I
Say as follows: Srna }
I am the defendant in this case/ action and make this statement in support of my
application to set aside a judgment
The facts set out in this statement are within my own knowledge or are based on the
information provided which I believe are true,
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I, Azfar M Syed was appointed as a sub postmaster on 22™ May 2007 at 112
Sale Circle Post Office Manchester M23 OBX branch
After taking over outgoing sub postmaster who promised to stay and help me to
understand the operation and training, disappeared and left me alone in the
office
Following were provided after appointment:-
e Atraining program
5 days classroom
6 days live training over counter
1 day balance
No back office or reconciliation training was provided
NO Lottery Training
« HARDSHIP & DIFFICULTIES FACED
After the transfer I came across a number of problems and difficulties which
are as here under:-
. No disability access
. Broken tiles floor/damage floor
. Old safe plate and hole in the main entrance
. Leaked ceilings
. Front door broken
. Old safe and rubbish in the office
. Lots of obsolete stock
. Toilet seat broken
. Flush not working
10. Faulty phone line
11. Date stamp broken
12. Rear yard full of rubbish and bushes
13.No legal or public notice of transfer or new management
14. Empty shop with no fixture and fitting, no business
OONAMNARWON=
15. My trainer was also concerned and called it a bad transfer
16.I and my Mrs. were left alone to face and handle the situation.
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17.1 started to run the office from 22 May 2007 and dedicate my all time to
put the office in shape and proper run. I transfer my kids to sale local
school, and we the whole family spent our all time to put the office office.
18. Starting from my first balance up to TP 7 every thing was fine.
19. The probiem started when I tried to create a stock BB for other cashier. I
was advised by the help line that only the Crown Office use different stock I
as it could create lots of problems. 1
20. The purpose of stock BB is to run a separate counter for another cashier
to keep the check upon staff but it started to create problems showing
negative stock and surplus cash.
21.On my TP 8, the balance on stock AA was fine but the balance on stock
BB was 1, 24.000.00 was gain. I tried to contact help line but could not
get through. The time was about 9, 45 pm, I tried to resolve the gain
during an attempt to resolve the horizon asked me to transfer the gain in
to local suspense which I did.
22.Next day I had a phone call from Chesterfield inquiring the gain, I explain i
to the gentleman what has happened and he advised me that on my next i
balance declare the same amount as loss which I did.
23. After that I
stop to use stock BB and phoned to helpline to delete Stock BB they
advised me that I have to wait at least 5 weeks then I will be able to
delete so I left as it was.
24.On my TP 10 again my Stock AA was fine and as I try to roll the office
over the system did not let me do roll over and asked to do the balance
on stock BB as soon as I balance the stock BB , it declare 78,000.00 lose .
I transfer the figure in to local suspense and rolled the office over.
25. Again I received a phone call from chesterfield inquiring about the loss
26.1 explain everything to them. they said there is some error and they will
send it to upstairs
27. After a day or two I received a phone call from post office Itd saying that it I
is a problem with Stock BB and that 78, 0000 needs to removed, they i
asked me do you know how to do it I said no I just took over the office, I
they said that they will arrange a trainer to clear and delete the stock BB. I
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28. After that I had a phone call from help line who explained me how to clear
that and told me to do through the house keeping and ram out the loss.
29.Next day I received a phone call from a trainer called Marina Slade to
book a day and time to clear the figure. I
30.On 17 January 2008, Marina Slade visited the branch, she checked all my
cash and some of the stock and find every thing ok, she also checked
Stock BB the loss was still in there Marina advised me that I have too
much stock and some of that is obsolete and needs to go back. She told
me and wrote down every thing on a piece of paper that count every I
single stock , Phone help line to find which stock is obsolete , put them in
tam bags and get the things ready for my TP balance due on 23 January
Wednesday
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. She will call again before roll over .it was just co incident that I was in the
middle of resolving the problem the auditors visited on Monday just a day
before it all would have been clear and resolved.
32. None of the matters has been hide or kept in dark and will never be. I
33. During the audit I did explain and acknowledge them the whole situation
and was in understanding that its all nearly dealt with .but I have been
suspended and office has been closed. It seems that there has been a
miscommunication between the different departments as I believe a
suspension was inappropriate however the deficiency would have been
resolved by Wednesday 23 January 2008 on TP balance and settled
centrally. Any out outstanding query or issue could still be investigated
while I could keep the office up and running.
34. Since I took over the office has never been run out or requested any
additional cash some time we were not send the cash remittance and did
not need the cash. I
35.1 concentrate only on Post Office and even could not start the shop as I
have not got extra funds, the funds I had for the shop spent on post office.
This is the only my living, livelihood and source of income
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36.From the day one from application to selection ad from incoming to
service we committed, dedicated, sacrificed, honest, and did my job with
the depth of my heart, fair and honesty. this is our only bread and butter
keeping our family survive and living as far as deficiency concerned ,it's;a
complex of computer error insufficient training , human error as no body
perfect
37. Being a new sub postmaster with no previous experience, limited training
in a limited time period with forth coming Christmas and New Year festive
period definitely was not a perfect working atmosphere and caused a
complex error.
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 1 i
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASWS9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD I
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW4 I
This is the exhibit referred to as "ASW1" in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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[Su %
: RESTRICTED A
FOR CICA x/09/223970-2A
Case Enquiry Facts
Post Office Ltd Security Team
Branch Sale Circle
Reference
Type of
Enquiry
Suspect Aztar SYED
Offender
Solicitor
* Audit in January 2008 revealed a shortage of £69,932.04
* At the audit Mr SYED had understated his cash by £10,000+
* Ona balance snapshot there was a discrepancy in excess of
£80,000 ~ the shortage of £69,000 is arrived at by the
understated cash and he was due a correction notice of approx.
£2500.
* Mr SYED became sub postmaster in May 2007.
* Mr SYED could not explain if he physically counted the cash in
the Post Office how he did not discover the shortage in the cash.
« Mr SYED said that he used one stock unit (AA) and the others used
stock unit BB. He then said that they served out of one stock
unit but used the cash in another. If this was the case then
there would be a surplus of cash in one stock unit and a
corresponding shortage in the other. Mr SYED could not explain
why this did not occur.
* During one trading period Mr SYED declared that he had in excess
of £200,000 in cash at the post office but during the interview
he said that he had never declared this amount nor had he ever
had this amount in the Post Office.
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T35
RESTRICTED
FOR CICA X/09/223970-2A,
. eee said that he had little training and did not know how to
october 2007 ve from one stock unit to the other. However on 24
2 @ made a number of transfer’s between stock units
in 8 mintues.
* Mr SYED said that he did not trust the clerk who worked for him.
¢ Mr Syed could offer no explanation to why large amounts of cash
were continually transferred between AA and BB stock units.
* Mr Syed stated that he did not receive sufficient training.
* Mr Syed admitted that he shared his password.
* Mr Syed incorrectly created an additional stock unit, which has
gone someway to causing these problems.
* Mx Syed states that everything he has done has been on the advice
of the helpline.
* Mr Syed maintains that these discrepancies are the result of
errors.
Mr Syed was the person responsible for completing the Branch Trading
Statement balance and the possibility existed of a prima facia case
for false accounting being established against him. However when all
circumstances of this enquiry are considered at this present time,
the evidence was not sufficient to ensure a realistic prospect of a
successful prosecution.
Mr SYED currently still owes the Post Office in excess of £100,000
(the shortage plus interest) and Post Office Ltd are in the process
of taking CCJ out against him.
17/7/2008 - debarred from working at the Post Office
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 1
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3¥Q70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
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Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant I
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EXHIBIT ASW2 I
This is the exhibit referred to as "ASW1” in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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IN CONFIDENCE
URGENT
FAO
GLEN CHESTER
PAUL WILLIAM
AGENTS CONTRACT MANAGER,
POST OFFICE LTD
36-40 Great Underbank
Stockport I
SK1 1QF
31 January 2008
STATEMENT OF AFFAIRS
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this statement of affairs is to assist the contact Advisor in his
investigation and to support the understanding of the matter.
BACKGROUND
Before my appointment , we( me & Mrs. )worked very hard along with two little
kids’ put every effort from financial arrangements to funds and from application
to selection . It took us hardship sacrifice and dedication.
SUMMARY
I Azfar Syed was appointed as sub postmaster at Sale Circle branch
A training program of :
5 days classrocm
6 days live training over counter
1 day balance
No back office or reconciliation training was provided
NO Lottery Training
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HARDSHIP & DIFFICULTIES
After the transfer I came across a number of problems and difficulties such as
Out going sub postmaster who promised to stay and help me to understand the
operation and training disappeared and left me alone in the Office.
No disability access
Broken tiles floor/damage floor I
Old safe plate and hole in the main entrance
Leaked ceilings j
Front door broken I
Old safe and rubbish in the office
Lots of obsolete stock
Toilet seat broken
Flush not working
Faulty phone line I
Date stamp broken I
Rear yard full of rubbish and bushes i
No legal or public notice of transfer or new management
Empty shop with no fixture and fitting, no business
My trainer was also concerned and called it a bad transfer
I and my Mrs. were left alone to face and handle the situation.
I started to run the office from 22 May 2007 and dedicate my all time to put the
office in shape and proper run. I transfer my kids to sale local school, and we the
whole family spent our all time to put the office office.
starting from my first balance up to TP 7 every thing was fine.
the problem started when I tried to create a stock BB for an other cashier. I was
advised by the help line that only the Crown Office use different stock as it could
create lots of problems.
the purpose of stock BB is to run a separate counter for another cashier to keep
the check upon staff but it started to create problems showing negative stock and
surplus cash.
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On my TP 8, the balance on stock AA was fine but the balance on stock BB was
1, 24,000.00 was gain. I tried to contact help line but could not get through. The
time was about 9, 45 pm, ! tried to resolve the gain during an attempt to resolve i
the horizon asked me to transfer the gain in to local suspense which I did.
Next day I had a phone call from Chesterfield inquiring the gain, I explain to the
gentleman what has happened and he advised me that on my next balance
declare the same amount as loss which I did.
After that I stop to use stock BB and phoned to helpline to delete Stock BB they
advised me that I have to wait at least 5 weeks then I will be able to delete so I
left as it was.
On my TP 10 again my Stock AA was fine and as I try to roll the office over the
system did not let me do roll over and asked to do the balance on stock BB as
soon as I balance the stock BB ,it declare 78,000.00 lose . I transfer the figure in
to local suspense and rolled the office over.
Again I received a phone call from chesterfield inquiring about the loss
I explain every thing to them. they said there is some error and they will send it
to upstairs
After a day or two I received a phone call from post office Itd saying that it is a
problem with Stock BB and that 78, 0000 needs to removed , they asked me do
you know how to do it I said no I just took over the office, they said that they will
arrange a trainer to clear and delete the stock BB.
After that I had a phone call from help line who explained me how to clear that
and told me to do through the house keeping and ram out the loss. t
Next day I received a phone call from a trainer called Marina Slade to book a day
and time to clear the figure.
On 17 January 2008, Marina Slade visited the branch, she checked all my cash
and some of the stock and find every thing ok, she also checked Stock BB the
loss was still in there Marina advised me that I have too much stock and some of {
that is obsolete and needs to go back. She told me and wrote down every thing }
on a piece of paper that count every single stock , Phone help line to find which I
stock is obsolete , put them in ram bags and get the things ready for my TP i
balance due on 23 January Wednesday
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She will call again before roll over .it was just co incident that I was in the middle I
of resolving the problem the auditors visited on Monday just a day before it all I
would have been clear and resolved. I
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None of the matters has been hide or kept in dark and will never be.
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During the audit I did explain and acknowledge them the whole situation and was
in understanding that its all nearly dealt with .but I have been suspended and
office has been closed. It seems that there has been a miscommunication I
between the different departments as I believe a suspension was inappropriate
however the deficiency would have been resolved by Wednesday 23 January
2008 on TP balance and settled centrally. Any out outstanding query or issue
could still be investigated while I could keep the office up and running.
FACTS
the facts are as I am a family man and me my Mrs. invest all our money and
spend and dedicate all our time and struggle . sacrifice, to built the business and
always committed to provide the service to the community , in last six months the
office has never been closed for any reason not even for lunch. my mother died
last month in my home country, my little boy has been very ill but the office never
closed.
In last six months since I took over the office has never been run out or
requested any additional cash some time we were not send the cash remittance
and did not need the cash.
Even on Monday (audit day) my cash was 12,000.00 pounds over due to a
transaction correction sent on Thursday 17 January 2008. I have never ever
removed any extra or surplus cash.
I concentrate only on Post Office and even could not start the shop as I have not
got extra funds, the funds I had for the shop spent on post office. This is the only
my living, livelihood and source of income
CONCLUSION
From the day one from application to selection ad from incoming to service we I
committed, dedicated, sacrificed, honest, and did my job with the depth of my I
heart ,fair and honesty. this is our only bread and butter keeping our family I
survive and living as far as deficiency concerned ,it's a complex of computer I
error insufficient training , human error as no body perfect I don’t say I am I
perfect but have always been proactive ,concerned ,vigilant , we are educated i
a well to do small family and can never think of any wrong doings, our honesty is I
our prestige ,our character is our pride and will never risk any of that at any cost. I
As I have no other means or source of income ,have a family with little kids to run i
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and provide and financial commitments I am very upset , stressed and worried I
and concern and wants to reinstate and run the office as soon as possible i
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An office closure or delay will result in financial difficulties, . Strain , struggle to i
survive and a heavy loss to my family and Post office Ltd.
On the contrary as there has been a time scale for on going investigation. And as
happened in the past in such situation that during the suspension
subpostmaster's partner /spouse has been transfer the office if possible I request
you to transfer the office to my wife Mrs. Novera syed who can run the office
with staff. I will be very grateful to you. I
Being a new sub postmaster with no previous experience, limited training in a
limited time period with forth coming Christmas and New Year festive period
definitely was not a perfect working atmosphere and caused a complex error.
Finally I close the document by saying that this statement is an honest , true
description of affairs and I have great faith and trust in your judgment and
strongly believed that you will make a fair and justified decision.
I trust this statement of affairs will help to clarify the queries ,concerns situation.
If further assistance required, please do not hesitate to contact me.
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 1
Exhibits: i
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3 i
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3¥Q70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANUnES ISS
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant I
-and-
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AZFAR SYED
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW3
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1” in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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CONFIDENTIAL
This is a very important document and must be mediated and read carefully.
REF : SALE CIRCLE POST OFFICE /
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LIST OT CONTENTS
CONTENTS PAGE
« LETTER TO GLENN CHESTER 1,2,3
* RECORD OF THE FACT FINDING INTERVIEW 4,5,6,7,8,9,
= DISCREPENCY AT A GLANCE 10,11,12
Date prepared : Monday 16" March 2008
Date delivered : Thursday 19" March 2008
Delivered by : Azfar Syed
Delivered at : 36-40 Great Underbank Stockport Area Office
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THIS DOCUMENT HAS BEEN DELIEVERED IN PERSON BY AZFAR SYED
WITHOUT PREGEDUCE
FAO I
Glenn Chester
Contract Manager
Post Office Ltd
Area Office
Great Underbank
Stockport
SK1 1QF
Monday 16" March 2008
Ref: Fact Finding Interview surrounding the deficiency for the suspension
of the contract for the services at the sale circle branch
Dear Glenn
I refer above and would like to thank you for interview me, as I have been
interviewed and clarified your questions and concerns, please find enclosed the
record and the minuets of meeting.
Please note that the record of interview and minuets of the
meeting is a very important and legal document and_ must be
read very carefully and filed to record.
I await your conclusions and direction of decision.
in the mean time I will draft the final version of a very comprehensive large high
profile presentation of the matter based on the whole issue, the grounds, the
reasons, the way the matter has been handled, the situation and the
circumstances, names of post office representatives involved in the whole matter
the way the suspension was brought in to effect.
The time delay and the mode of enquiries.
I will also be obtaining an independent financial consultant and expert report who
will certify that the horizon financial reports figure, the 6 months time period an
unused stock BB and a main stock AA, monitored cash declarations and
remittances by a cash management centre and team can not be falsified with the
figure of 78,000 discrepancy, practically or theoretically absolute not possible and
technically can not be practiced.
A well 25 years horizon experienced subpostmaster’s opinion report, the office
closer, my efforts to keep the office reopen in the best interest of the customers,
Mrs Novera syed application and her request for the transfer, (referring the few
cases of suspended subpostmasters in the past transferred to their spouse for
the position of temporary subpostmistress) given no consideration, no response
and reply.
The community and the old disable peoples inconvenience, me and my family
character, dedication, sacrifices, devotion, care, honesty, community service.
The customer's opinion about staff and level of service.
The suffer, the loss, the humiliation, the inconvenience, the stress, the mental
torcher, the nightmare, injustification, unfair inappropriate temporary suspension.
All previous correspondence record.
All above mentioned will be added and filed to my Statements Presentation
which will be sending by my solicitor to:
Chairman Post Office Ltd
Senior Diversity Officer Racial Equality Council
Member of Parliament Local Government
Solicitor Legal advisor Citizens Advice Bureau
Senior solicitor Manchester Law Centre.
I have already written you about my personal and financial condition it's very
upsetting, stressful; the whole family is struggling, suffering going through the
ind request you to reinstate me as soon as possible
A copy of this document has been sent to Steve Bradshaw ( investigation officer)
by special delivery 1.00 pm.
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I feel me and my family have been victimised.
Again I request you to look in to the matter with very careful consideration and I
reinstate me as soon as possible.
The high profile presentation will be sent to above mention authorities who will
take over the case and determine the further course of action.
1 am sure that you can feel and understand my heartache, sensitivity and I
concern to my character, my respect , my family future, my little kids , efforts and i
all the hard work and sacrifice I did for this office but I have strong belief and
trust in your judgement and British justice and aspect that you will use your I
discretion to make a fair and justified decision.
If further assistance required, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
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4
RECORD OF THE FACT FINDING INTERVIEW
Date: 12 Mar. 2008
Place: Great Underbank Stockport
Time: 10:30 A.M — 12:25
Duration: 01hour — 55 mints
Interviewer: Glenn Chester (Agent Contract Manager)
Interviewee: Azfar Syed
Notes taker: Chris Senior
MINUITES OF THE MEETING
Time Statement
10:27 I arrived in the building and lead to interview room by Donna
40:42 Glenn Chester accompanied with a colleague entered in the room
and introduced his colleague as Chris Senior (notes taker) and the
purpose of interview.
10:45 Glenn Chester read out the statement of Mr Steve Bradshaw based on
four points I
14) Transfer of cash from stock BB to stock AA
2) Discrepancy of surplus
3) Discrepancy of shortage
4) Financial statement of the total office cash
10:50 I replied to those points as under
Transfer of cash from stock AA to stock BB, on the advise of help line
to clear stock BB to delete. I was told I can’t delete it until I clear out
every thing from stock and cash and transfer it to the main stock AA
and leave the stock BB for five weeks.
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11:00
11:05
41:08
41:18
11:22
11:25
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Chris Senior was agreed to the course of action advised by helpline i
and told me it does not delete itself automatically I have to do it.
No response to financial statement as it was prepared by the auditors
and has not been signed or agreed by me.
Glenn Chester asked why did I create stock BB.
I explained that to keep the record of individual cashier and to make sure
that If any thing goes wrong in my absence the serving cashier or
assistant will be responsible for the discrepancies.
Glenn Chester asked a question did I separate the stock as well.
I replied no.
We were using and sharing only stock AA
Glenn Chester started to look into trading statements and analyse the
discrepancy, I explained and show him the trial and final balance report I
of the horizon for trading periods TPR, TP9, TP10 which were
photocopied later by Chris Senior.
I also told Glenn Chester that discrepancy over was in local suspense
and I have a telephone Call from chesterfield who directed to declare the
amount as loss on next trading Period which I did.
The discrepancy short was also transfer into local suspense same again
phone call from chesterfield enquiring about the shortage they told me
there is some mistake in account they will send it upstairs to senior.
I refer the matter to the help line who initially tried to tell me how to clear
that and then arranged a trainer called Marina Slade.
Glenn Chester read out the statement of Marina Slade visit.
I told Glenn Chester that cash management centre were not receiving
cash declaration from December because of some problem in my
system and advised me to call help line which I did.
All activities were going through proper channel; I did not do any thing
with out help line, chesterfield and training department from creating the
stock BB to discrepancy
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41:28 Glenn Chester asked me how I settled the other previous discrepancies.
I told make good cash and settled centrally through local suspense.
11:30 Glenn Chester asked me do you take the money out of the safe when it's
over.
I replied no I always left the money in the safe and never took the money
out I refer the audit day when there was 9000.00 extra because of the
transaction correction. I could take that money out but ! did not.
41:33 Glenn Chester challenges my answer and said no it does not go through
the local suspense and local suspense icon does not appear.
41:35 I asked Glenn Chester if the discrepancy is not transferred in to local
suspense, how come the Helpline, Chesterfield and the Trainer I
communicating to me became aware and got Involved to clear it. I also
mentioned the phones calls and course of action to take directed by the I
chesterfield staff colleague who phoned me on three occasions I
Glenn Chester replied, I don’t know you tell me you are in the spot light.
{also told Glenn Chester that I tried to find the name of the gentleman
spoken but was told that they (chesterfield )don't keep or logged the
calls record).
I request Glenn Chester to check that the telephone record and calls
made to helpline by me and the record of the course of action and advice
directed by them.
Glenn Chester replied I don’t know you tell me you are in the spot light.
Glenn Chester stressed that the system showing shortage against stock. I
Again Glenn Chester referred the trading statements
tasked Glenn Chester does he think is it possible that 78,000 can be
missing in 6 months time.
Glenn Chester replied yes, by changing some figures
I disagreed and represent an example as under:
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For example if I receive a remittance of about 78,000 in December and
when the auditors came they found 73,000 cash physically, in safe the
total cash comes to 151,000.00, if 78,000 taken away leaving 73,000 }
means that I have not serve any customer for a month and the office has
been closed.
The Friday cash declaration of denomination figure was matched to cash
figure in the safe on Monday by the auditor were found correct not
altered , falsified, or different .
With an insufficient training and short office term with no friends in post i
office field it is not possible.
Glenn Chester did not comment or question.
1 was so upset and emotional that my eyes burst into tears I did not
know what I was saying because the words were not coming from
my mind but from the depth of my heart and that was the pure truth
41:45 Glenn Chester asked me do you think some body else lift the money.
I replied, I don't think so. it's such a big amount, if it's two or three
hundred or thousand it could be possible but not 78.000.00.
11:46 Glenn Chester asked me I was subpostmaster is there any way you can
pay the money.
\ replied , I have got no money and offer you to enquire my bank account
I also told you that my shop is empty because I have not got any extra
money for the stock and show you the mortgage and security documents
to enable you to understand my financial situation and condition. I
Chris Senior asked me about the lottery money and the method of
lottery transaction entered in to the horizon
11:50 I replied that at the end of the shift the shop assistant handed over the
lottery selis report and cash to post office assistant over the counter who
enters the lottery game and scratch cards sell and prize figures in to the
horizon and cash in to post office drawer every day after closing day
business.
8
42:00 Glenn Chester asked have I used the stock BB
I answer no once in a blue moon only for balance
42:01 Glen Chester asked only crystal using the stock
I reply yes
12:02 Glenn Chester asked crystal is on maternity leave.
I replied no, she was on voluntary training and was not employed.
12:04 Glenn Chester asked why did me not registered Krystal with Post office?
I replied because she was on voluntary training and making mistakes
and was Not offered job. I also mentioned that I was in the process of
recruitment staff Through job centre Wythenshawe and taking
interviews
42:08 Glenn Chester asked does crystal knew about recruitment
I replied yes.
42:10 Glenn Chester asked your colleague I think I don’t have any more
question do you want to asked any question he replied no
42:15 I told Glenn Chester that I have discussed the matter with senior
subpostmaster Who has about 25 years experience working on horizon
who told me that there is no way of possibility in 7 months time period
78,000 discrepancy can be generated by falsifying or taken the money
out
12:20 Chris Senior walked out to take some photocopies of my record, Glenn
Chester asked me to name those subpostmaster, whether they from
federation.
I replied no they are retired.
12:25 Finally Glenn Chester told me as enquiries are still going on , and after
today I will be making my own enquires., that’s why I gave you an
opportunity to tell me every thing .
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The interview ended my closing words saying that I have told you every
thing truth, I am a family man, I have two little kids one 2 years and other
5 years old, I also show you my mortgage and financial commitments,
and the told Glenn Chester about my Mrs working,
and my mother's death where I could not see her or attended her funeral
but did not close the office and leave the office to any body else showing
how much I am responsible, dedicated, sacrifice
and care about the office.
I also told Glenn Chester how much I care or precaution about the
customer's money that I use to cail old people with large transaction, I i
always took in side the office to count and handed over the money to I
them and advised them to keep the money safe and lead to the door
making sure they don’t get robbed outside the shop by gang of youths
hanging outside the shop.
I also said that that money is nothing it could be here and tomorrow there
but my character is everything I don’t want to loose my character for some
thing I have not done
Finally Glenn Chester said me if you have told me the truth and nothing
wrong come to light otherwise I will charge you.
I told Glenn Chester be assured I have not done any thing and I will never
ever do anything wrong, it is a paperwork ,remittance scanned mistake but
nothing else. I worked very hard to get the office and will not risk my
character at any cost , my kids my future and you interviewed me ,you
appointed me I will never breach your trust , and never ever put you in
such position. If I made such mistake I would have come to you and told
you and ask for the help. I also offer Glenn Chester to interview my Mrs
individually she is a shy , honest decent lady will tell you straight away if!
would have done any thing wrong.
I told Glenn Chester that I wanted to take oath or swear on my
‘but I did not request for as it will make you think that
guilty.
I asked Glenn Chester that how long it will take to resolve and was told
normally 3 months but due to the complexity it will be more in this case,
Glenn Chester thanked me for coming and lead me to exit saying will
contact me shortly after further enquires.
seceeeneennnne Record End ----------
10
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DISCRIPENCY AT A GLANCE I
OFFICE TERM: 22 May 2007- 21 January 2008 8 Months I
STCK UNIT : AA Only one stock unit I
OFFICE TP : TP02 ----- TP 09 8 TP Roll Over i
FIRST TP : TP 02 by Trainer
TP 03-TPO9 : TP03-TP 09 7TP BY A Syed I
TP03-TPO6 : 47TP 4 TP Roll Over with no shortage
4" August 2007 Krystal Lomas taken on voluntary work training
Phone call to Helpline and discuss how to separate and keep another cashier
shift record for individual accountability
Advised only crown branches operate other stock unit as it is a bit difficult and
can cause problems told how to create it .
Another stock unit created and was operated by trainee cashier Krystal lomas
STOCK UNIT : AA (Main stock unit) BB
TP 08 : 4597.00 126557.54 over
TP 09 19.25 1119.15 over
TP 10 : 1756.68 78,564.24 short
During the roll over all the deficiencies were transfers in to local suspense.
After TP 09 , no cash remittance were sent for 2 weeks ,
1
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In the 29 week of January I received a telephone call from cash management
centre telling there is some obsolete stock or cash figure in the system and
because of that they are not receiving daily cash declarations from 23rd
December 2007.
I contacted the help line and explain the problem.
They initially asked , tried to tell me how to do it and then decided to arrange a I
trainer to clear obsolete stock ,cash and local suspense.
A trainer called Marina Slade visited the branch on Friday 17 January 2008 and
checked my cash in safe ,balance snap shot and confirmed that every thing is ok
she also checked the balance snap shot of stock BB. She wrote down what to
on a piece of paper. My TP 10 roll over was due on Wednesday 23 January 2008
She also said she will be back in 2 days and sort the problem on TP roll over.
The chesterfield , helpline were aware and helping me to clear local suspense.
After first deficiency over the stock BB was stop to use,
I contacted helpline who advised me to transfer the all the cash ,stock to main
stock AA and leave the stock BB for 5 or 6 weeks then I can delete it.
While the departments were in the middle of process to resolve the problem , the
auditors named Jennet Holding and Mr Jeff turn out , they were told and
explained about the problem,
Personally Jennet Holding made phone calls to the people and the department I I
told were processing clearance they confirmed the problem and action taken
but she did not listen, called Julie Pollard (BDM) and refer the suspension to Mr
Paul William.
I was shocked and surprised over the suspension.
The situation, the circumstances , the evidence suggest that in the light of the
facts surrounding the action taken does not recommend or justify their action .
As far as the deficiency or shortage concerned it is very unrealistic can not be
accommodate or falls in to any jurisdiction or contrary to any act of regulatory
compliance or contract for services.
12
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It is only a paper work , remittance , transaction entry, double declaration or a
computer mistake / error but certainly no falsification or cash lift.
The record of interview and the minuets of the meeting documents has
been prepared with extreme care and saturated details of interview with out
concealment of material facts.
The material of this document is true at the best of my knowledge.
Yours sincerely
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Witness: Azfar Syed i
Statement number: 1 I
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12 I
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3¥Q70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD I
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
\
EXHIBIT ASW4
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1” in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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FAO.
MR STEVE BRADSHAW
INVESTIGATION MANAGER
POST OFFFICE LTD
ROOM 5037
LIVERPOOL MAIL CENTRE
COPPERAS HILL
LIVERPOOL
L3 1AA
6 February 2008
Ref: Sale Circle Post Office POLTD/0708/0262
Dear Mr, Bradshaw
Thank you for your letter dated 31 January 2008, I am writing to confirm that I will be attending the
interview on Friday 22 February 2008 and will not be accompanied with either solicitor or a friend.
I am also enclosing copies of some documents and my correspondence with Glenn Chester to help
and assist your investigation.
if you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Yours sincerely
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Azfar Syed
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 1
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW5
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1" in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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GLENN CHESTER
* CONTRACT MANAGER
POST OFFICE LTD
AREA OFFICE
36-40 GREAT UNDERBANK
STOCKPORT
SK1 1QF
12 February 2008 I
Ref: Sale Circle Post Office I
Dear Glenn
Further to our telephone conversation on Friday, I managed to find some of the
daily transaction work, enclosed are the documents requested and I am pleased
to refer highlighted SU AA and SU BB, figures which very clearly indicates the
error office deficiency.
As in my various letters and telephone calls I have expressed my serious
concerns over the suspension and office closure in my previous correspondence. I
Despite my over all circumstances and situation pictured, describe in my
previous letters its now 3 week, nothing seems to be done and the office is still
closed. I am trying my all utmost efforts to bring the business back to normal.
Me_and my family is extremely concerned over the suspension and the office
closure, as before the auditors visit , under the activity carried on by the related
department from Helpline to chesterfield and the proper channel to delete and_to
clear the SU BB the suspension was not permitted.
Even on audit day, before Janet Holding start the audit I told and explain about I
problem and the deficiency to be resolved and clear I also handed over the sheet
of action and procedure of removal and to resolve the issue given to me by i
trainer Marina Slade who was due to come back after 2 days on my TP balance j
day on 23 January 2008.
Under the situation and on going procedure of removal and to resolve the
deficiency my suspension was undue, inappropriate and unjustified.
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I
I
It's nearly over 3 weeks and as I have already acknowledged my mental financial
and physical condition of stress, strain and financial pressure and difficulty. More
over all other available options has also been declined. Now time to time as the
matter is prolonging it’s getting bad.
I request you to look in to the matter as urgency and reinstate me please, in the
interest of the Post Office Ltd ,the community service and of course for my living
and livelihood. I have done my best to assist you as I have arrange an interview
with your investigating team I will also assist and supplement the clarification of
the matter to them. i
However if you still need any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact
me.
I look forward to hear from you very soon.
Yours sincerely
—
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 4
Exhibits:
ASW, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3¥Q70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
_
EXHIBIT ASW6
ee
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1" in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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Delivered in person by Azfar Syed
FAO
Glenn Chester I
Agent Contract Manager
Post Office Ltd
36-40 Underbank
Stockport
ski
27 February 2008
Ref: Suspension
Dear Glenn
Thank you for your letter dated 16 February 2008 regarding the enquiries surrounding the
suspension of my contract for the services. I further write to assist you to enable you to justify and
to help you making fair decision.
I would {ike you to take following facts in consideration,
1, Office Term 22 May 2007 ~ 21 January 2008
(8 months) a very short time period
2. Office Estate
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Very poor
Broken floor
Leaked ceiling
Dusty and messy
Broken front door
Very unorganised
Faulty phone line
3. Training term
Very limited and insufficient H
No training provided in TP balancing
No training provided how to resolve discrepancies
No training provided in back office assessments
4, stock units
Total stock units 2
AA main stock always used never caused any deficiency or operational
problem.
BB on trading period 7 initially created for the other cashier for better
shift management used only once and stopped due to causing
discrepancy problem and was waiting for completely removed on the
next trading period 10.
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5. Valuable stock
A large amount of valuable obsolete stock was inherited from out going
Previous subpostmaster causing obstruction and blocking the daily cash
declaration to cash centre.
6. Trading periods
Total trading periods 9 {
7. Trading period {no discrepancy)
Trading period 1-7 no discrepancy, can be confirmed from chesterfield.
8. Trading period 8 (discrepancy over)
Stock Unit BB
Amount 124,000.00
(Exhibit enclosed) I
Action Taken: contact help line, transfer into local suspense and rolled
over
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Telephone call from Chesterfield advised to declare loss in next trading
period. i
Right action: should never be declaring as loss, should be settled
centrally.
9. Trading Period 9 (discrepancy short)
Stock Unit BB
Amount 78,000.00 i
(Exhibit enclosed)
Action taken: contact help line, transfer in to local suspense notified to
Chesterfield request to helpline to look into , identified as
An error and arranged to clear and resolved by the trainer.
No training were given to me in that category, no such issues or area were
discussed during the training or bought to light no directions were prescribe.
If both discrepancies settled centrally, no deficiency should occur.
10. Cash remittances
Normal
No shortage and Run outs
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No extra or additional or emergency cash requests i
No remittances some week but collection
11. Cash declarations
Every day
Regular
Perfect found by the trainer
Perfect found by the auditors
12. Cash in safe
Found matched as declare end of the day by the trainer
Found over than declare due to transaction correction checked and confirmed by the
auditors.
13, Regulatory and Compliance
No irregularities and incompliance were carried out , reported or found
IN THE LIGHT OF THE ABOVE FACTS, IT IS VERY OBVIOUS AND CLEAR THAT THERE HAS
BEEN NO DEFICIENCY OR CASH SHORTAGE, THE CIRCUMSTANCES AND SITUATION DOES
NOT DIRECT A SUSPENSION.
‘A VERY APPROPRIATE AND RIGHT COURES OF ACTION AND CODE OF PRACTICE WERE
EXCERCIED.
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I AM SURE AND BELIEVE THAT IN REALLITY THERE IS NO DEFICINCY AN ERROR
OCCURRED AS A RESULT OF WRONG ENTRY , OR COMPUTER ERROR , BOTH AMOUNTS
OF DISCREPENCIES DOES NOT FIT OR ACCOMMODATE ANY WHERE IN THE WHOLE
TRADING PERIODS OR ANY TRASACTION.
LOOKING IN TO THE WHOLE MATTER, THE INVOLVEMENTS OF THE DEPARTMENTS
IDENTIFYING THE ERROR AND THEIR EFFORTS TO PROCESS REMEDY, AN EIGHT
MONTHS BUSINESS ACTIVITY OF SUCH A SMALL OFFICE NEITHER REQUIRED A LENTHY
PROLONG ENQUIRY OR FALLS IN TO INVESTIGATION NOR SUPPORT THE SUSPENSION,
THE WAY THE WHOLE SITUATION HAS BEEN CREATED THE WAY THE MATTER HAS BEEN
HANDLED THE WAY I HAVE BEEN SUSPENDED AND THE WAY THE OFFICE HAS BEEN
CLOSED IS VERY UNJUSTIFIED, UNFAIR AND WRONG.
THE PAIN, THE SUFFER, THE STRUGGLE, THE HUMILIATION CAUSED BY THE COURSE OF
ACTION EXCERSISED BY THE POST OFFICE RFPRESENTATIVES IS ENORMOUS AND
INCRESING DAY BY DAY UNTIL REINSTATE.
I BELIEVE, I DON'T DESERVE ALL THAT AND SHOULD NOT BE PUT THROUGH THAT
TRAUMA,
I HAVE VERY STRONG BELIEF AND TRUST IN YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF JUSTIFICATION
AND APPROACH IN DECISION MAKING I ALSO APPRICIATE YOUR POINT OF VIEW TAKING
TIME TO DEAL WITH THE MATTER FOR YOUR AND MY BENEFIT , BUT PLEASE BE AWARE
MY PERSONAL AND FINANCIAL CIRCUMSTANCES DOES NOT ALLOW A LONG
TERM SUSPENSION AND PROCESS OF ENQUIRY SPECIALLY WHEN ITS UNFAIR,
UNJUSTIFIED, WRONG AND DOES NOT FALL IN TO ANY JURISDITION , CODE OF PRACTICE
OR CONTRARY TO MY CONTRACT OF
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SERVICES I REQUEST YOU TO CONSIDER THE ABOVE FACTS AND REINTATAE ME AS. I
SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IF FURTHER ASSISTANCE REQUIRED, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT ME. A
COPY OF THIS LETTER HAS ALSO BEEN FORWARD TO MR STEVE BRADSHAW.
A VERY COMPRIHENSIVE PRESENTATION IS UNDERWAY AND WILL BE REPRESENTED TO
CHAIRMAN POST OFFICE LTD, MR ALLAN COOK BY MY LEGAL, CONSTITUENCY AND
SENIOR DIVERSITY PERSONELS IN DUE COURSE.
EVERY STEP HAS BEEN TAKEN, EVERY EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE NUMEROUS REQUEST
PUT THROUGH, DETAILED SUMMERY, EVIDENCE CLARIFICATION OF THE ISSUES
SURROUNDING THE DEFICIENCY HAS BEEN SENT TO YOU, BUT STILL I AM SUSPENDED,
Many thanks, I await of your response and look forward to hear from you very soon.
Yours sincerely t
Azfar Syed
a)
W
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 4
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:- I
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant I
~and- !
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW7
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1” in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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Personal & Confidential
FAO.
Mr Alan Cook
Managing Director
Post Office Ltd
80 Old Street
London
ECIV 9NN
31/08/08
Ref: Azfar Syed (Sub postmaster)
Sale Circle Post office 3494225
412 Sale Road
Manchester
M23 OBX
Subject: UNLAWFUL SUSPENSION
CONSTRUCTIVE DISMISAL
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
PROFESSIONAL MISCONDUCT
VICTIMISATION
PREGEDUCE BEHAVIOUR
MISHANDLING OF THE MATTER
MISCARRIAGE OF JUSTICE
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NEGLIGIENCE OF DUTY OF FAIR AND IMPARTIAL CONDUCT
PECUNIARY ADVANTAGE OF DESIGANATION AND COMPANY
POSITION
UNLAWFUL EXERCISE OF POWERS AND CODE OF PRACTICE
Respected Dear Allan Cook
I refer above and would like to draw your attention towards the above subject May I take an
opportunity to launch an official complaint to approach you to seek Help, Justice as I have a strong
faith and believe in your judgement and British Justice.
Please let me introduce myself first, my name is Azfar Syed I was Sub postmaster of the above
branch during from 5" may 2007 -21" January 2008.
We (Mr & Mrs) were running the branch successfully and devoted our money time, hard work and
supplement efforts, sacrificed to improve the branch presentation and post office services and
business.
A discrepancy error was erupted on 19” December 2007, reported, assessed identified and was
under rectification process by the appropriate departments of the Post Office Ltd.
The chesterfield was aware of the error and the course of actions directed by the chesterfield and
help line were act upon to clear it.
Head of the help tine arranged a trainer to visit the office to clear the error, the trainer came and
checked the office cash and paper work found absolutely spot on, balanced and confirmed the
error.
An audit was performed by the auditors on 21" of January 2008, the auditors were satisfied of the
cash present on the premises and were aware of the discrepancy in advanced before the audit, no
breach of contract or compliance were found or reported in the report.
But Mr Paul Williams incorporate an unfair, unlawful, wrong exercise and confirmed the suspension
and passed the matter to Mr Glenn Chester.
Mr Glenn Chester since then dealt and carried out an extensive and lengthy process of
assessment, analysis, interviews activity, investigations, premises search but failed to find a single
piece of evidence of any thing wrong doings either professional, criminal contractual fault or breach
of contract or cash shortage or discrepancy there were no negative revelations , but carried out
unfair, unjustified, unlawful practice and exercised taking pecuniary advantage of his position and
did not reinstate me.
I have received a letter from HRSC farnwoth confirming that nothing has been revealed that could
prevent me working in the office.
From the day one of the suspension I maintained the statement of affairs and submit multiple
documents of explanation of error,
Request were put through to reinstate me or install Novera Syed (branch Manager) as temporarily
sub postmistress who is working in the branch since last
48 months and to keep carry on enquiry till conclusion.
A suspension or termination could be directed on completion and findings of the enquiries and
investigation.
But Mr Glen Chester and Deviyn Cumberland did not respond to request and letters and closed the
office causing inconvenience to the community and customer and financial and business losses to
the branch.
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A number of illegal acts, unlawful code of practices have been exercised, false accusation by two of
the contracts manager Paul Williams and Glenn Chester.
I have been a victim of unlawful suspension, illegal, constructive dismissal professional misconduct
discrimination, my living, bread and butter has taken away and the whole family has been put
through a nightmare , suffers ,pain and struggle.
The Branch Manager Mrs Novera Syed has also been subject to contravention of equal opportunity,
branch transfer, discrimination and unlawful blockade obstacles and resistance to her appointment
as interim or permanent sub postmistress of the branch
The whole issue is subject to its legality ,its validity , handling and resolution,
I would be very pleased if I can have few minuets of your precious time with an appointment to see
you and handed over the necessary documents and case file
for your kind anticipation and consideration to get justice, I think very high of you and you are my
only hope.
I have got a family with two little kids to provide, Me my Mrs worked very hard to make living , we
both have done a lot for this office and saved the Post office property and cash on two occasions
from the armed robberies.
What we have been put through it Is very hard to express in words, mentally financially, they have
ruined our lives.
Unlawful suspension, inappropriate course of action, wrong exercise of power and code of practice,
closure of the office, discrimination, caused a disaster financial, custom loss and was not in the
interest of the Post Office Ltd.
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This matter is not about the money, it is not about the office it is about our character, pride, curtsey
and no body has got the right to spoil and ruin it.
if you need further assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
We will pray for your long live and prosperity.
God bless you, I
Many thanks and look forward to hear from you soon,
Yours sincerely
Aztar Syed
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I
I
Witness: Azfar Syed I
Statement number: 1 I
Exhibits: H
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3 I
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6 I
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9 !
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12 i
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
}
}
EXHIBIT ASW8
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1" in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014,
Delivered by Special delivery by 1.00 pm
FAO
MR STEVE BRADSHAW
INVESTIGATION MANAGER
POST OFFICE LTD
LIVERPOOL MAIL CENTRE
COPPERAS HILL
LIVERPOOL
L3 1AA
03 April 2008
Ref: INVESTIGATION
Discrepancy shortage
Sale Circle Post Office
112 sale road
Manchester
M23 OBX
FAD CODE: 3494225
Dear Mr Bradshaw
Please find enclosed the record of investigation, secured for to file to high profiled presentation
which is due to represent and forward to concerned authorities involved very shortly.
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Yours sincerely
Azfar Syed i
WITHOUT PREGEDUCE
IN STRICT CONFIDENCE
Introduction
The document investigation is a document of history of events and chain of activities carried out
and conducted by the investigators known as
Mr Steve Bradshaw
Mr XXX from Royal mail
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Mrs Diane
This document is based on unpleasant experience, inappropriate exercise, and improper code of
practice, unbearable attitude, harassment, and victimisation bully faced by Azfar M Syed and the
family during the unfair and undue suspension and investigation process.
The facts and the conclusion of the documents are absolute true understandable realistic, logic, and
concrete, undisputed, fair, and justified.
As a part of the investigation process a separate two hour interview was also undertaken by the
agent contract manager Mr Glenn Chester and a very heavy interrogation was conducted.
A Separate document titled Fact Finding Interview based on the information and the material of
interview record has also been transcript prepared and added to presentation.
The final version of the high profile document consists on a number of contents an extensive
detailed of whole matter and very sensitive counter issues, reports by expert, report by very
experience subpostmaster and vice versa.
So far none of the copies of the documents of the fact finding interview Investigation, house search
forms and documents , enquiries , interview of the possible criminal offences and record of the
departments shown and discussed to me during the process has not been provided or sent to me.
The accuracy and validity of all those documents is unknown, unsure and unpredictable subject to
be scrutinising by the authorities involved.
INVESTIGATION STATEMENT
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On 24” January 2008 I Azfar Syed received a letter of invitation dated 22” January 2008 to altend
a formal voluntary interview to discuss the issues surrounding the deficiency.
I Azfar Syed phoned Mr Steve Bradshaw to arrange and confirm the date to be interviewed as 22”
February 2008.
On 18” February 2008! went ill and phoned Mr Steve Bradshaw to postpone the interview and
arranged a new date I also request to remit me a brief summary of the interview. Mr Bradshaw
asked me to put the request in to writing.
On 18" February 2008 I did put my request in writing asking to send me a brief feed back and I
detailed summery of interview the main issue, areas, and what kind of possible criminal offence to
be look into while there is none the letter was sent by special delivery by 1.00 p.m.
Mr Steve Bradshaw ignored the letter no reply, no response, no telephone call a letter.
On Friday 21" March 2008 at 12:40 nearly after three weeks, Mr Bradshaw phoned me and told
that he is arranging the interview on Wednesday 26 March 2008 just after Good Friday and bank
holiday vacation and will phone me again on Tuesday 25 March 2008.
On Tuesday 25 March 2008 at 13:45 I received a phone call from Mr Bradshaw to confirm that all
the arrangement has been made for the Wednesday 26 March 2008 at 10:30 am the rest of the
telephone conversation was as under:
SB I WANT YOU TO SIGN SOME FORMS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW.
AS WHAT KIND OF FORMS,
SB 1 CAN NOT TELL YOU OVER THE PHONCE I NEED TO SEE YOU FACE
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TO FACE, JUST SOME ORDINARY FORMS, IT'S FOR YOUR BENEFIT. I
AS OK, WHERE DO YOU WANT ME TO COME AND SIGN
SB I WILL COME TO YOUR HOUSE BETWEEN 9:30 TO 10:00 AM AND
THAN YOU CAN FOLLOW ME OR WE WILL TAKE YOU TO SALFORD
CAPSTAN HOUSE.
AS I HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE INFORMATION I REQUESTED. I
SB I KNOW, I KNOW I HAVE BEEN BUSY i
10:22 no phone call no body arrived. After an hour and seven minuets wait I set off for capstan
house to attend the interview.
j
On Wednesday 26 March 2008 I got ready on 9:15 am and waited for Mr Bradshaw I did wait till I
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At 10:30 as I was driving three miles away from the house I had a phone call i
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from my Mrs telling that Mr Bradshaw has arrived, I took U turn returned back to
home.
My house door was bell and knocked about 6 times in 9 second impatiently.
My opened the door.
The conversation took place as follows:-
NS sorry he has gone
SB Why did he go, he knew we are coming.
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NS He did wait for you an hour and 15 mints.
SB We stuck in traffic.
NS I phone him and told that you have arrived
My Mrs offer them to come in and be seated.
I
Mr Steve Bradshaw attitude was very rude rather offering apology he was harsh
and very unpleasant.
Also during an hour and fifteen mints , Mr Bradshaw neither bother to phone me
himself or either informed by any body else.
I entered in to the house Mr Bradshaw with one of his lady colleague called
Diane was waiting for me, Steve Bradshaw stood up, shook the hands = Mr
Bradshaw show me his identity offer them to be seated. He pulled out some
forms from a file he had and asked me to sign.
The forms were not ordinary, they were legal forms consent to search my House
Mr Bradshaw told me they came to search my house whether I have stashed of
Money post office paper work or financial documents, I was astonished and very
unhappy and reluctant, Mr Bradshaw threatened me if I do not consent, they will
call the police who will arrest, DNA, detained me and ruin my house by digging
and lifting the floor boards
I told Mr Bradshaw I am quite happy to deal by the police because I have not got any thing wrong I
prefer to do the thing through proper channel
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I was confused, los: and very disappointed , how ever consent in the meantime Mr Bradshaw
called his 3° colleague waiting out side in the car I tet them to carried out the search , my house , i
my car was fully searched infect I assist and the areas where Jeven they did not want to after one
hour and fifteen minuets search nothing was found , some financial details of my bank accounts
were noted.
They asked me to come after an hour about 13:00 to interview.
They left my house about 12:00 am.
{ went to Salford Capstan House and report to reception at 12:50.
As the interview has been tape recorded, the details of the interview are not included in this
document.
The copy of the tape recorded interview will be requested separately to add to presentation.
INTERVIEW SUMMERY
This summary is very brief and based on 11 main point of the issue and is the heart of the
investigation.
1) The investigation manager Mr Steve Bradshaw confirmed that there were no problems for
the TP 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and absolutely fine.
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2) Mr Bradshaw was sure and confirmed that cash holding for the sale circle branch can
never be 100,000.00 or over.
3) Mr Bradshaw questioned me over a multitransfer of first discrepancy over 126,000.00 from
AA to BB and BB to AA. his analyses suggest that the office balance was fine and there
were no discrepancy , a multi transfer is not beneficial , so why such transfer were
performed , my response to that question was same as his and replied that why I should ,
1 have not done it every action has been done on advice of telephone helpline.
4) Mr Bradshaw was told that all there was only two consecutive discrepancy
Discrepancy over 126,000.00
Discrepancy short 78,000.00 i
The course of action to clear and resolve was advise and directed by the
Chesterfield and helpline.
Because the discrepancy were not exist physically , no cash was over or
short so both were left unresolved transfer into local suspense I represent
the training book branch trading transition and refer page 26 of the book
to verify and support the action.
since then chesterfield, helpline and trainer were notified and involved to
clear the discrepancy error and the process was arrange by the training
department underway to clear the discrepancy by the TP roll over due on
23” January 2008
5) Ms Diane understood that it could be a genuine mistake, I make mistakes
and Steve makes odd mistakes. I said everybody makes mistake, I am not
perfect.
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6) After a detailed dialogue and analyses of some documents prepared by Mr
Steve. The discrepancy was found quite unrealistic, and absolutely un
Natural and un accommodate unclassified. I
7) During the interview Mr Bradshaw stressed, shouted and tried to put the words in to my I
mouth that ‘I stole the money, that was very offensive and un acceptable but I replied and
rejected his attempt to make me take the words and answer no never.
8) Mr Bradshaw remarks (tape recorded) to create a separate stock BB was as to defraud
contrary to helpline advice told as a good system and crown branches have adapted that
system I don’t know why did he say that.
9) Mr Bradshaw failed to find the possibility of criminal offence
10,
Mr Bradshaw took my income and expenditure of living.
1!) Mr Bradshaw was explained and told about the hardship faced by the
family, my financial circumstances / difficulties, family struggle, living
difficulties and the trauma caused by suspension.
Let’s be very clear that:-
> The office cash holding are monitored by cash management team and
never suspected to falsified or defraud.
> The office cash holding does not exceed over 80,000.00.
> The office safe had 73,000 .00 cash physically on audit day.
The office cash figures declared on Friday and Saturday 19" January
were found absolute match to the figurers calculated or counted
checked by auditors.
The office has never been reported or found irregular incompliance or
incompetence by trainer or either auditors.
The office cash figures in denominations declared were not found
altered or falsified by auditors or trainer.
The office safe had 10,000.00 over, principally that was mine suppose
to be taken out of safe.
The office had no cash remittance for 3 weeks during 21“ December
2007 and 16" January 2008.
The office has served the customer during the festive season with a
high level of service and with strength of high pay outs.
The office has never run out of money.
The office has never requested extra cash during the 9 months term.
The office performance has never been suspicious.
> The office has never been incompetence for any kind of transaction or
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professional activity.
The office has never been closed even for a day and or half.
1 always phoned the helpline for every step or activity required.
I always consult the problem with the helpline and training team.
I never told lie to any of the department as training, helpline or
auditors.
> Inever told lie to contract manager Mr Glenn Chester.
I never told lie to investigators Mr Steve Bradshaw, Ms Diane.
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I fully cooperated, always assist and moved a step forward to resolve
the issue.
The investigators searched my house and car but found nothing.
I have not done any thing wrong.
I am not in breach of contract of services.
I have not committed any criminal or civil offence.
I have noi conducted irregularity compliance.
I will not accept a forced termination.
I will not resign.
I will not sell the business.
I will not allow the office to be run by any interim sub postmaster for
along term, and will notify you for his exit very shortly.
The future of this branch at my premises will be reviewed determined
and decided once a decision of my future made.
I want my office back immediately.
I spent last penny of the family and little kid’s cash and saving into
this office devotion, dedication and never been off even when my
mum died in October 2007 , I did not go to my home country and did
not attend her funeral because of the responsibility and risk I realised.
I will not allow anybody to ruin my character.
Me and my whole family including little kids are suffering, struggling
ill health , depressed ,upset, and going through nightmare and trauma
our bread and butter has been snatched and taken away, our living and
livelihood has been ceased I will not allow any body to play games
with our lives any more.
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> I have got very strong belief and trust in British Justice and well
aware of Court of Law, Code of practice, guidelines, exercises.
> I know very well that, I have done my job with honesty, integrity
dedication, and devotion, scarified, commitment there is nothing
missing or stolen, and confident you would not be able to find any act
contrary to post office Itd policy, contract of service, financial
regularities and compliance.
I mentioned _on several occasions in my letters and interview that this is not all about the money for
me but it is about_my character, my honesty, my integrity and Lwill not compromise it at any cost_,
regardless what it takes to because I know me and _my family put whole life savings, hard work,
commitments, efforts
Sacrifice, risk, devotion in this office and can not even think or done any wrong doings to lose it all
and the characters.
However I must_let_you aware that_any attempt to impose, reinforce, manipulate, stipulate,
monopoly, self inflict, formulated , false accusation and allegations _will_not_be conceived or
accepted_and_will_be challenge resulting counter allegation complaints_and legal and civil
proceedings and actions determine by my solicitor and legal channels involved as under.
As the time scale for the decision to be made is three months started from 22" January 2007
expires on 22 April 2008
With out any further delay, time waste and looking for some thing which does not
exist, I do expect to re instate with in this time period.
This document is also a part of the presentation due to be sent to the following authorities shortly.
Chairman Post Office Ltd
Human Rights Commission
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Community Legal Direct
Racial Equality & Opportunity Commission
Member of parliament
Manchester Law Centre
As its nearly over 2 months , since suspension I have been constantly in touch explain , and
assist you honestly and truthfully and have provided you a very high level of written information ,
interview , investigation assistance ,house search and can not be honest , fair , Justified ,
trustworthy any more than that.
As I have already said repeatedly and reiterate again and again from the day one of the problem
raised that the discrepancy shortage is a genuine paper work mistake, remittances, computer error
or a human error by staff.
Under the circumstance where an error or mistake has been identified previously by
appropriate department who were aware and involved to rectify it, why a suspension was
directed , and remuneration was ceased even after the suspension the evidence, enquiries,
investigation has failed to support the discrepancy, under the light of the office cash
remittances history , cash in safe , office cash holding history , office pay out history and over
all performance, regular communication with the related dept such as helpline , training,
chesterfield does not permit a physical cash shortage and falls in to a paperwork, 4
declaration, key entry mistake and error.
Theoretically it's not applicable to falsify or alter such a big number by transferring just one
figure from one stock to another stock in just no of hours with in a very short intervals of time,
a mistake or error takes a second or a minute to happen or exist but a falsifications or
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alteration of numbers takes years time and practically a Cabin trolley or suite case required to
lift or to take such amount of money out.
More over the 78,000.00 is two weeks remittance and removing and taking that amount of cash
means the branch will have an empty safe and will not permit any pay outs and customer service.
The matter of this document has been prepared with extreme care and has been consulted with
legal and general bodies.
The high profile document will only be sent to the authority as named in this documents who will
look in to the matter and proceed as determined by them.
1 confirm that the, information, statement and the facts of this document are true at the best of my i
knowledge and are prepared with extreme care and caution under no circumstance been generated
or falsely transcript.
As this is a very important document and a part of the presentation, can you please confirm the
delivery when received? i
Prepare and drafted by:
Name — Azfar_Syed
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Signed
Date 3" April 2008
Sent to:
Name: Steve. Position: Investigation Manager
Name: Mr. Chester Position: Agents Contract Manager
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Witness: Azfar Syed
Statement number: 1
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
iN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-and-
I
i
AZFAR SYED I
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW9
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1” in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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The office cash fioy,,
were found absolute declared on Fri
. ‘ay and Saturday 19" J;
" ute m ry anuary
checked by auditors, atch to the figurers calculated or counted
The office has never
incompetence by trainer or either auditors,
The office cash
figures in denominati
alta, . nations declared were not found
altered or falsified by auditors or trainer.
The office safe had 10,000.
00 over, principally that was mine suppose
to be taken out of safe.
The office had no cash remitt
‘ance for 3 weeks during 21°" December
2007 and 16" January 2008.
The office has served the customer during the festive season with a
high level of service and with strength of high pay outs.
The office has never run out of money.
The office has never requested extra cash during the 9 months term.
The office performance has never been suspicious.
The office has never been incompetence for any kind of transaction or
professional activity.
The office has never been closed even for a day and or half.
Talways phoned the helpline for every step or activity required.
» [always consult the problem with the helpline and training team.
I never told lie to any of the department as training, helpline or
auditors.
Tnever told lie to contract manager Mr Glenn Chester.
I never told lie to investigators Mr Steve Bradshaw, Ms Diane.
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Witness: Azfar Syed I
Statement number: 1 I
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-~and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW10
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW/1" in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014,
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Its ove S i i
et three months now since the Suspension , I have fully assisted and cooperated and always
an step forward to clarify and resolve the issue, two interviews conducted and premises were
searched nothing has been revealed and turned out, my personal cash(10,000/-) has still not been
returned,
The three months of unfair and inappropriate suspension has put the family through the trauma,
suffers, pain, humiliation, stress, strain, I
A number of letters and statements were submitted to agent’s contract manager Mr Glenn Chester,
and Investigation Manager Steve Bradshaw no positive response or serious consideration has been
Under the circumstances It is evident that I have been victimised.
I did not know what to do and where to go for justice, I think very high of you and you are my only
hope.
1 will be very thankful and grateful to you, if I can have an appointment to see you, your few
minuets of you precious time so I can give you a very brief summery of the issue and also handed
over a very comprehensive presentation file of the matter which will give you a very clear picture of
the issue, the circumstances, the way the matter has been handled, the validity of the suspension.
May I take an opportunity to approach you to look in to the matter; the purpose of this approach is
to seeking a fair, justified, impartial consideration of the decision.
Many thanks and regards
arn Manatee AAA AD Ln
GRO I
Azfar Syed
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Witness: Azfar Syed I
Statement number: 1 !
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASWZ7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12 I
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170 !
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
———
EXHIBIT ASW11
—_——
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1” in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20”
July 2014.
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Private & confidential
FAO
Glenn Chester
Agent Contract Manager
Post Office Ltd ]
Area Office
36-40 Great Underbank
Stockport ij
SK1 1QF
30" May 2008
Ref: Resignation
Sale Circle Post Office
Manchester
M23 OBX
Dear Glenn Chester
I write to resign for my services as a sub postmaster at the Sale Circle Branch, the reason for the
resignation are as under:
After the nightmare I had for the last three months I am not in a position to run the office because
the family have been put through, the life loses,
of my
financial losses, I don’t want to loose my life as the further lose could result in i
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I have got family with two little boys dependent on me and my family do need
me.
I did not want to resign but made to.
I feel I have been monopolized, victimised, discriminated and unfairly treated,
Please be advised that this is a conditional resignation which will come In effect immediately in the
event if none of the option offered in my version document is accepted,
Azfar Syed
rs
_o.
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Witness: Azfar Syed I
Statement number: 1 I
I
Exhibits:
ASW1, ASW2, ASW3
ASW4, ASW5, ASW6
ASW7, ASW8, ASW9
ASW10, ASW11, ASW12
Date: 20" July 2014
Claim No: 3YQ70170
IN THE COUNTY COURT AT MANCHESTER
BETWEEN:-
POST OFFICE LTD
Claimant
-and-
AZFAR SYED
Defendant
EXHIBIT ASW12
This is the exhibit referred to as “ASW1" in the Witness Statement of Azfar Syed dated 20"
July 2014.
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My VERSION OF EVIDANCE
Summery termination of contract for the services {
The contents of document are listed below:
PARTA I
SUMMERY OF GROUNDS I
ANALYSIS OF THE CHARGES
TRUE VERSION OF CHARGES
THE EVIDENCE i
CONCLUSIONS:
PART B
REASONS WHY SHOULD YOU NOT TERMINATE MY CONTRACT
GESTURE OF GOOD WILL
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PART C
CONDITIONAL RESIGNATION
PROPOSED TRANSFER DOCUMENTS,
COPY OF FACT FINDING INTERVIEW
COPY OF TAPE RECORDED INVESTIGATION INTERVIEW
EVIDENCE ABCDEFGH
Without Prejudice
Private & Confidential
IN STRICT CONFIDENCE
FAO
Glenn Chester
Agent Contract Maneger
Post Office Ltd
Area Office
36- 40 Great Underbank
Stockport
SKI 1QF
30" May 2008
Dear Glenn
I am in receipt of fetter dated 19" April 2008 advising me your consideration summery termination
of the contract for the services on the grounds drafted after reviewing the papers related to this
case reciveved from the enquiry.
As per your advised I enclosed my version and view of the evidence of the summery of termination
of contract for the services.
My version is based on the assessment of complete record and the history of the issue, Post
office department's involvements and their course of action and a detailed, comprehensive
analysis of the facts, and scrutiny of the evidence and a fair, impartial, justified conclusion.
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SUMMERY OF THE GROUNDS AND CHARGES: i
Failure to make good losses without delay and falsification of office account
Failure to maintain a standard of security sufficient to ensure the safe custody of cash and
stock of all kinds and other post office Itd property.
Failing to register a sub office assistant with Post Office Ltd
Failure to comply with operational instructions governing the correct use of horizon passwords
I am very surprised and astonished reading the grounds and the charges brought forward that has
neither raised or been brought in to the case during all enquires and interviews from the day one
21" January 2008 to up to now.
On Monday 21“ January the auditors started the audit 9.00 am and finished 8.00 pm (11 Hours)
but did not briefed me any thing exactly why I have been suspended, no concern or issue was
questioned, no copy of the audit /survey report or any kind of paper work was signed or handed
over to me or left at the premises.
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The letter issued_on 24% January 2008 by Paul William (Agent Contract Manager) confirmed
the suspension precautionary and did not identify the auditor's findings or any other
contraventions. I
EVIDENCE A ENCLOSED
As I am already under an enormous stress, being ill health and financial and living struggle, it is
very upsetting, disappointed and under impression that as nothing has been found in three months
enquiry to summarised the termination. I
I was shocked and concerned, I phoned you on two occasions Thursday and Friday just to discuss
the summery charges of termination and my view and intentions for the future course of action.
Based on the whole matter careful assessments of the history of the facts, events and chain of the
course of direction from the chesterfield, helpline, trainer involvement, interview, audit, investigation
and three months enquiry it is evident that the matter was already in the hands of the appropriate
department and arrangements were made to resolve and clear unexplained , deficiency was due to
be completed on TPO on 23” January 2008 , the auditors were confirmed over the phone by
training department head and trainer herself, therefore a suspension was undue, unfair , illegal and
should have not been directed.
I disagree, and reject the claim of the charges completely as I believe the evidence does not
support the charges.
My version and evidence for rejection as detailed under.
GROUND1
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I
Failure to make good losses without delay and falsification of office account.
On 19 December 2008 the cash declared was 126507.55
On 19 December 2008 the final balance was 126507.55
EVIDENCE B ENCLOSED
On 24" Nov 2007 an unexplained discrepancy error over 126000 occurred.
On 25" Nov 2007 a telephone call was made to chesterfield and notified the problem of another
stock BB showing 126, 0000 over on 24” Nov 2007
An advice was directed to declare a loss of 126,000 on next TP 8 by chesterfield.
EVIDENCE C ENCLOSED
On 19" December 2007 a stock BB which has not done any transaction showed a discrepancy
error shortage of 78,000.
On 20 December the stock BB was stopped to use completely.
On 21* December a telephone call was also made to helpline to delete stock BB because of the
problem.
Training department and help line were involved to look in to resolve.
As both discrepancies were not genuine and physically not there, I did not settle them and
transferred in to local suspense for further advice on what and how to do.
All necessary and appropriate course of action were t placed.
As you said in your letter dated 19" April 2008 that the discrepancy was settled cash and if I
settled them as good cash how come the departments were aware of local suspense figures,
identified the problem and involved and made arrangements to clear it.
The representative from the chesterfield department mislead and misguide me advising a wrong and
inappropriate course of action as to declare the loss on next TP8, If he would advised me to settle
centrally, the issue of discrepancy should have not been born and same on second time 78,000
under, should have been settled centrally the branch will still be over in cash.
On 23 December the problem was notified to helpline who arranged a trainer to clear and was
engage in the process of clarification.
On 2i" January 2008,befor the audit starts, the auditor Janet Holding was acknowledge and
notified of the discrepancy and the aalsction being under process , jennet holding made the phone
calls to trainer Marina Slade and helpline training supervisor who confirmed the problem with stock
BB but no losses or falsification.
As you mentioned in the charge an unexplained, of course it is unexplained because actually there
is no deficiency and comparing the office financial holdings, capacity, mathematical statistics and
customer's financial services it is not possible.
SO NO LOSSES WERE FOUND OR REPORTED
During the office term especially between Oct 2007, November 2007 and December 2007, no
extra cash was requested, no cash shortage was reported, all the cash figures and remittance were
monitored and arranged by cash management team.
No queries and question was raise or received.
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The cash figure declared were spot checked by trainer Marina Slade on 17" January 2008 and the
cash figure declared on 19" January checked by auditors on Monday 21" were found accurate no
falsified or altered.
SO NO FALSIFICATION WAS FOUND OR REPORTED.
GROUND 2
Failure to maintain a standard of security sufficient to ensure the safe custody of cash and
stock of all kinds and other post office Itd property:
Under this ground the statement you provided does not exist , I have got the copy of auditors report
sent by chesterfield to me , in that report it is confirmed that no compliance or regulatory test or
checks were performed and no such concerns or question or remarks were noted down or
commented. I
The cash was well secured and kept in the solid metal drawers which were locked _,located
under the 3“ counter which is not in use and out of sight and reach and not accessible and was
due be sent back on Monday.
Legally and ideally a copy of the auditor’s report or site survey documents must be signed by
the sub postmaster and a copy of the forms or related paper work or activity report should have
been handed over at the end of completion of audit.
As far as standard of security concerned, the branch has been visited by the BDM Julie Pollard
on several occasions and the branch security features were shown and briefed as three new jail
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door electronic motorised remote controlled shuttered, occupancy of the flat above the office new
DVR Camera system were fitted and installed after taking the office over.
No such issues has been reported or brought to attention by any Post Office Ltd representative
at the vi
During the whole enquiry and investigation no issues or concerns were questions declared,
raised or questioned.
In the last six months al! other offices in my territory namely Northenden post office, Hall lane post
office, Wendover post office, Sale post office has been subject to robberies, burglaries, not my
office.
GROUND 3
Failing to register a Sub Office assistant with Post Office Ltd.
In the office there were only me , my Mrs working the third one Krystal Lomas was only the
Voluntary Trainee not employee any voluntary trainee does not subject to registration until employed
, I was registered with employment office and in the process of recruitment , a number of
candidates were interviewed and under the process of selection.
EVIDENCE D ENCLOSED
Krystal lomas was not appointed ,selected or offered any kind of employment and never entered in
to contractual employment and was due to leave and move to Irim with her mum any time and was
not subject to the my contractual clause of registration.
EVIDENCE E ENCLOSED. I
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GROUND 4
Failure to comply with operational instructions governing the correct use of horizon passwords.
After my appointment as sub postmaster, no training was offered and no feed back was given in
this area, I have never been handed over or trained through any operational manual of horizon.
You _have referred investigation team interview, the statement you quote is not true and 1 will
request to look in to transcription. My statement was that I only knew the password at the time
when I had to roll over the stock BB about couple of times at the time when deletion process
underway and stock BB has been used only on three occasions so how come I was using her
pass word to do transactions.
All the password of horizon expires automatically itself after certain days
I have recorded and filed the history of past three months nightmare , the audit , telephone
conversation, fact finding interview _, investigation interview, house search , your
correspondence ,my correspondence , Steve Bradshaw conversation and correspondence ,
tape recorded interview, whole process of enquiry and_confirm that no_such grounds and
charges were brought in to light, mentioned, discuss or challenged.
EVIDENCE F CLOSED.
1 refer my telephone calls made to you on Wednesday and Thursday over the concerns to the
ground drafted and my version and Intentions of my course of action and future.
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During the conversation you were unsure the discrepancy and told me that the dilemma is where is
the money gone , I said to you that you know the office cash holdings I also said that you know
that physically there was no cash shortage.
Options of resignation, transfer to, sel the business were discussed where you advised me to put
in to writing,
As from the day one of my unfair suspension I have explained and sent you a number of detailed
documents of the issue and have provided you a very comprehensive illustration of unnatural t
shortage sequence of the event the action and process corporate by the department involved.
The entire necessary enquiry, interviews, investigation, house and car search has been processed
nothing has been revealed contravention; I have personally been very honest and cooperated during
the whole process of investigation.
Finally I conclude that there has been no cash shortage or discrepancy, failure, or breach of
my contract or any contravention of any regulatory compliance.
Since the enquiries started you assured me on a number of occasion that you will give me an
opportunity to shay that
WHY SOULD YOU NOT TERMINATE MY CONTRACT
Now finally you have provided me the opportunity, I write to put my version against the charges
brought forward in the summery of termination of the contract for the services.
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Previously I have already written you the history of the personal affairs, my struggle, efforts,
interest, and my journey to become a sub postmaster. However I would like to give you some detail
of points to consider.
This is the story of my hardship to become a sub postmaster.
We the whole family shared the supplement efforts to get this office.
I and my Mrs were suitable to run post office as a small family business.
We are a small family with two little boys belongs to a good well to do family. Before I become a
sub postmaster we were in a good respectable profession and referred with a good personal and i
professional reference.
To purchase this office we all our savings, loans, my kids saving, my mother in law also sent me
some money
I had a business loan of 175,000 from the bank.
I had an additional foan of 10,000 from Bolton business venture
My kids saving of 5,000 were invested.
My mother in law sent 8,000 from Pakistan
A second charge was taken over for our house as security.
EVIDENCE G ENCLOSED
I did a lot of search and preparation for the process of selection and interview.
It took me a lot of guts and hard work to get appointed.
After appointment, only 12 days training was provided and a bad office transfer was under taken.
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Since then my whole family including little kids dedicated and devoted to the office, the boys were
transfer to a school and nursery near to the office.
J and the Mrs worked all day, 6 days a week, some time seven days.
The customer was very happy with a family run office, the atmosphere, the service and care, the
presentation of the office. i
We worked very hard to put the office in the right shape and to build the business. {
It. was just the beginning, with in four months time my mother was very ill_ and requested me to
visit her before she is dead, I knew the responsibility of my position and did not go, she died in
October still could not go because of the festive season and office high peak business time, I
cared about the post office services and sacrificed for it.
I maintained a high performance and good office business with out any complaints or issues.
{ and my Mrs worked very hard spent most of the time to improve the office and neglect our home
or social life
standing behind the counter all the day which
We came into post office business because we have a good family background, education, honesty,
enthusiasm and motivation and knew that it was the most appropriate profession for the people like
us who wants to work and live with respect, character, pride and prestige.
Considering the all above I believe that while a probiem was already identified and under the
process of rectification by the end of TP10 Why a suspension was imposed and changed into a
dilemma and complex issue.
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I trust and believe, I should not be put through all that and now no physical or theoritial evidence {
has been found, nothing revealed therefore I should not be terminated.
‘Taking into consideration your position in this mater. I
As up to now I have been very honest, reasonable, fair, justified, I want to resolve the matter by
understanding, mutual, bilateral talks.
Since the issue raised I have assisted you and the investigation team a step forward, and never
lied, mislead or concealed any material of fact.
As far as the discrepancy concerned, you or investigation team or auditors, trainer, cash
management team, helpline. have not revealed any misconduct, irregularity, suspicious activity,
lies or any kind of contravention.
During my office term I have been visited by BDM Julie Pollard, trainer Marina Slade, Paul
Hayhurst, None of them has revealed or reported any failure of duty or breach of contract for
the service or negligence.
I really appreciate and thankful to you for giving me an opportunity to put forward my version to
charges.
From the day, the problem began with the stock BB, the concerned department were aware and
involved, the cash management team and the chesterfield knew the office remittance, and office
cash holding figures, cash declarations were correct and does not certify or permit the shortage. I
kept explaining and written to Steve Bradshaw and you a number of statements and explanation
about the problem has recorded and been sent to you step by step previously.
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I always sald to you that my character Is every thing , I have lived with pride and prestige and I
have invested the last penny of my family money, not only money but the time , effort , devotion
,eare , sacrifice, honesty, risks, and not had any reward or reap from the business yet.
I
I
We live in an imperfect world and makes mistakes, the pilot crashes planes, the computers
crashes, the trains collides, people killed in accident, the buildings collapses, the high security fails.
During our telephone conversation I also told you that I have a complete faith and trust in you and
wants to resolve the issue by harmony, mutual understanding and negotiation rather aggressions.
Though I have got an insurance policy for legal expenses but I do not intend to make the issue
bitter, controversial by passing it to the solicitor to start legal battle and war.
Although i am not under obligation or principally and legally not supposes to offer you any
reimbursement for an unexplained, unproved and non existed discrepancy or money which has
never been remit or taken away however just to show my decency and in an attempt to save
my character and prestige in the best interest of both parties and as a gesture of good will:- I
As you have already taken 10,000 , which was my money, in addition to that amount I_am
willing to pay another half of the deficiency 33,000 in instalment deducted each month from my
salary provided I get reinstate immediately. I will assume that that I have bought the office very
expensive.
OR
Transfer the office to Novera Syed immediately.
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In both cases the half of the deficiency will be paid as agreed, if the business is sold while we
are the sub postmaster / sub postmistress we will pay the remaining amount of the payment in
full.
Acceptance of any of above will benefit for both parties, I will save my character and my family
livelihood and bread and butter for my kids, and you will get sufficient cash back of an
anonymous and unexplained non existed unseen discrepancy and the matter will be resolved
happily rather becoming more bitter, difficult complicate , inconvenience and court battle.
In the event of none of the option is acceptable, I have enclosed my conditional resignation
with_ this letter as my resignation I clarify that in the event of resignation or none transfer to
Novera Syed the guod will offer will be withdrawn and no payments offer will be applicable .
Any dispute or claims will be forward to my solicitor who will endeavour the next course of I
action and dealt accordingly. I
As far as office concern it is over three months now and has been managed and run by interim sub
postmaster, under the current situation and circumstances {am not happy and in total loss, under
duress and financially struggling and behind the mortgage payments and not In a position to let it
be continued, as it is not viable or worth while, I will notify you of his exit very soon.
If you compare the business done in my office term with current level of business you will notice a
drastic business loss and foot fall and its only because of our hard work , customer care ,
relationship , personality , presentation, atmosphere and friendly and excellent service.
I believe that I have done very best to resolve the matter.
I don’t know what else to say apart from that no body is perfect, we all makes mistakes and learn.
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While it's a difficult, complex case however the case history of the issues, chain of the events,
the logic, statistical figures, mathematical calculations and circumstantial evidence suggest no
discrepancy or contravention.
The renumiration of this office is not mega and only provide the living that what I was doing
exactly, making living which every body does I have written you numerous times that my i
character means more to me, I can live with out money but I can not live without character,
respect and pride, I have got a track academic and professional record and don’t want to loose I
the prestige.
1am a family man we all the family has always lived as a good British citizen , worked very
hard through the whole life and never been on state benefit or never claim or obtained any
money or other property which is not ours.
Lhave paid a very heavy price for my job, duty of care, my character, my devotion , my
honesty , lost my mother , my little boy , spent every single penny of my saving , securing my
house ,time_and effort for the office and did my job at the best of my abitity , integrity.
I request you to consider this document very carefully as my whole character depend on your
decision and if you believe that I deserve the credit and discretion, please save my character.
Now it’s all in your hands, I have not got more to say.
Considering your position, personality, attitude and my faith and trust in you so far I have not
used or exercised any legal assistance and have no intention to go on that route because I
think I do not need and expecting a fair and justified decision and believe that you will do the
justice with out prejudice, unless if I made, pushed or drag in to it leaving with no other option I
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reserved the right to take it further to higher authorities and legal channels to defend and
insert all the claims I believe fair justified and entitled to.
EVIDENCE H ENCLOSED
All attempts, efforts, statements, offers has been put forward in a very reasonable, justified, honest
manner.
To support and refresh the clarification of the issue I have enclosed some copies of documents
sent to you and Steve Bradshaw previously indicating or identifying no such charges or ground.
1 TRUST THAT ALL ABOVE CLARIFIED THE CHARGES AND THE REASONS WHY SHOULD YOU I
NOT TERMINATE MY CONTRAGC; I THINK VERY HIGH OF YOU AND BELIEVE THAT YOU WILL
DO THE JUSTICE AND SHOULD NOT TERMINATE MY CONTRACT.
The material of this document is evident and true to the best of my knowledge.
Many thanks and regards for giving me the opportunity.
Yours sincerely
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Azfar Syed