Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Post Office sabotaged Horizon IT inquiry, investigator claims

Forensic accountant Ian Henderson said that the Post Office improperly withheld documents

Post Office sabotaged Horizon IT inquiry, investigator claims

THE ongoing public inquiry has revealed that the Post Office repeatedly undermined the efforts of independent investigators examining problems with the Horizon IT system.

Forensic accountant Ian Henderson said that the Post Office improperly withheld documents from Second Sight, the company hired in 2012 to investigate the accounting software.


According to Henderson, the public entity prioritised safeguarding its own reputation over aiding sub-postmasters.

During the inquiry, he also claimed that former Post Office chief, Paula Vennells, attempted to divert the investigation away from potential miscarriages of justice.

Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted hundreds of sub-postmasters for theft and fraud based on faulty data from the Horizon IT system. In 2012, under pressure from MPs, the Post Office commissioned Second Sight to investigate claims that Horizon was responsible for accounting discrepancies rather than criminal actions.

Despite starting their investigation, Henderson and his colleague Ron Warmington were dismissed by the Post Office in March 2015.

Henderson revealed that the Post Office obstructed their efforts by ignoring document requests and excessively delaying responses, often citing unjustified claims of legal privilege.

When Second Sight finally received documents in late October 2012, Henderson quickly realised the potential for numerous miscarriages of justice. He alleged that Vennells persistently tried to prevent them from investigating these cases.

By February 2015, Henderson believed he was dealing with a cover-up and possibly a criminal conspiracy by the Post Office. He was also worried about potential legal repercussions for alleged breaches of confidentiality and non-disclosure agreements.

Warmington said that the Post Office, possibly at the highest levels, knew the Horizon system had been causing discrepancies for years. He accused the Post Office of unsafe prosecutions, convictions, bankruptcies, and even suicides due to the improper behaviour of its prosecutors.

An interim report by the investigators, published in July 2013, identified bugs in the Horizon system that could have invalidated many convictions. Following this, the Post Office, along with Second Sight and campaigners led by former sub-postmaster Alan Bates, established a mediation scheme in August 2013, which was shut down by March 2015.

Henderson noted that some questions posed 12 months prior to the scheme's closure remained unanswered, indicating a priority on brand protection over sub-postmaster support. He found many prosecuted cases lacked evidence of personal gain, suggesting the losses were likely caused by the faulty system.

He added that the Post Office extensively vetted sub-postmasters before hiring them, making it implausible that many would suddenly turn to crime.

He also pointed out that the Post Office had a disproportionate number of staff in its PR department compared to its legal team.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less