Latest news with #HorizonScandal
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
'We lost everything and ended up in a caravan after mum was wrongly accused of stealing'
Katie Watson was a child when her mother was thrown out of the Post Office which had become her life. Fiona Watson, subpostmistress for the town in the late 1990s and early 2000s, was well-liked by customers, neighbours and the Post Office themselves who had awarded her modest business Post Office of the year in 2000. They even chose her to be among the first group of Post Offices to pilot the Horizon IT system, daughter Katie, 34, explained from her home in Bridgend. Weeks into piloting the new system the auditors arrived and Fiona was suspended on suspicion of having her fingers in the till as her life began to unravel. Weeks after that she was accused of taking tens of thousands of pounds from the Post Office and was ordered to repay the money which had disappeared. While she was under investigation she was diagnosed with terminal cancer. READ MORE: Shoppers hit as city centre car park shuts suddenly READ MORE: The Welsh market town that 'used to be brilliant' but traders say has been ruined by the perfect storm The Watsons sold their home which adjoined their Post Office and sweetshop in order to pay off the debt and they eventually ended up in a caravan after being ousted by suspicious locals. Fiona was 44 when she died in 2004 and never got to see her name cleared while Katie says her family have received a tiny 'interim payment' for what they all went through prior to a final settlement which has still not arrived. The failings of the Horizon scandal - which was the fault of developer Fujitsu and the Post Office - and the resulting fallout has been well-documented, as has the fact hundreds of subpostmasters and subpostmistresses suffered unimaginable pain resulting in 13 of them taking their own lives. Now, through the group Lost Chances, their children are also coming forward to tell their stories and call for accountability and redress. Earlier this month Sir Wyn Williams published the first volume of the Post Office inquiry's final report in which he acknowledged the 'very significant suffering' of relatives. He has advised in that report that a compensation scheme should be established for children embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in British history. 'Mum joined the Post Office as a subpostmistress in 1999,' Katie told WalesOnline. 'It was in the back end of 2001 when things began to go seriously wrong. Everything had been fine prior to then. She'd won an award for Post Office of the year and she was very good at her job. She was so good the Post Office decided she would pilot the first wave of new computers. 'Quite soon into this process they had an audit and soon after that mum had been accused of stealing. The accounts weren't balancing. The Post Office began to pull this 'evidence' together to accuse mum of stealing thousands of pounds even though she was an absolutely meticulous record keeper and would never have made such a mistake to lose that much money. 'Mum and dad couldn't afford to repay the debt without selling their house which was next door. During the investigation mum was diagnosed with terminal cancer and died before she received any answers as to what actually happened and why she had been accused. 'She died in 2004 aged just 44. Mum went to the grave convinced everyone thought she was guilty. Most of the locals did think she was guilty. Her neighbours, the Post Office, her friends, her colleagues, her customers, and even family doubted mum's version of events. The moment you're suspended you're not allowed back into your Post Office and for mum there was never an opportunity to get evidence to try to prove herself innocent.' The Watsons lost everything the day they lost the Post Office. Things became financially 'impossible' for them while her mother was dying, Katie recalled. 'She was our main breadwinner and we lost our income and lost almost everything when we lost the Post Office. No money coming in meant we couldn't stock the shop so things became impossible. We ended up living in a caravan after paying the tens of thousands of pounds we 'owed' to the Post Office.' Fiona, like hundreds of others, was told she was the only one and that she couldn't possibly have been right and the Post Office wrong. 'As she was one of the first that this happened to she also believed she was the only one, and she began to doubt herself,' Katie explained. 'I don't even think by the time she died she knew there were other people that had been accused of the same. When you've got a lot of professionals and a big company telling you we have proof you've taken that money, you start to think: 'Maybe I've done something wrong.'" Paying tribute to her mother, Katie remembered: 'Mum was the glue that held our family together. She hosted all the parties, birthdays, trips away, she was never off the phone. She was a very hard worker and in her previous role in a newsagents she worked 364 days a year, only having Christmas Day off. Coming to the Post Office was about having a bit more family time because she would have Sundays off and the bank holidays off. She couldn't wait for that.' But the dream the Watsons had created, with the quaint Post Office and sweet shop beside their home, turned into the scene of a nightmare. 'We had to leave the area over what happened at the Post Office. Mum had been blacklisted there while dad was guilty by association," Katie said. 'It had become a volatile place for us. People who had come into the Post Office to chat with mum about all sorts of stuff were now against her. We left, I had to change schools, I left all my friends behind and quit my clubs. After mum passed away, we moved into a caravan on a site beside a pub and I worked in the pub on nights and weekends to make ends meet to help out my dad following my mum's death. I was just 14 at the time of starting work.' What happened to her family as a result of the Horizon scandal not only stole from Katie a chance at a normal childhood but also the education she wanted and deserved. She never had the opportunity to go to college and get the qualifications to realise her aspirations she held as a young girl. She now works seven days a week - in financial services in Cardiff on weekdays and as a carer at the weekend. 'I never got the education I wanted because I had to work to increase the family income,' she said. 'Only now in my life am I having the opportunity to do anything education wise. Not having the opportunity for that earlier in my life has had a huge knock-on effect. I had my life mapped out and then everything had to change. How can you quantify the damage caused? I had my education ripped away because of this. It's affected my whole life. 'It's so important for children and close relatives of victims to have a voice. Our experiences are different but also collectively the same. If me speaking out gives others the courage to tell their stories then that's important for me. Collectively we can change things.' Katie Burrows, vice chairwoman of Lost Chances and whose mother Elaine Hood also lost thousands when she was wrongly prosecuted and subsequently convicted of theft from the Post Office in 2003, is representing hundreds of children like Katie. She said: "Lost Chances stands in solidarity with the Watson family and all the families affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, a painful chapter in British history that has left countless lives shattered. Katie Watson's testimony is a powerful reminder of the deep and lasting impact of systemic failures, not just on the subpostmasters and subpostmistresses, but also on their children and loved ones. "Fiona Watson's tragic experience highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice. As a dedicated and well-respected subpostmistress, she became a victim of circumstances beyond her control. Her struggle against unfounded accusations and the devastating consequences that followed are stories we hear too often—stories of lost livelihoods, shattered families, and dreams unfulfilled. "We acknowledge the findings in Sir Wyn Williams' report, which recognises the 'very significant suffering' endured by families and advises the establishment of a compensation scheme for children impacted by this scandal. It is imperative that children's voices are heard and experiences validated as we navigate the long-term repercussions of our parents' unjust treatment. "We are pleased to be working with the government to expedite the process of compensation and ensure that all victims and their families receive the justice they deserve. Our mission at Lost Chances is to amplify these voices, encourage healing and empowerment, and work tirelessly to protect children involved in future miscarriage of justice cases. Together we can promote change and find some good come from all of this." Not too far from Katie Watson's home is Alun Lloyd Jones who lives in the village of Llanfarian outside Aberystwyth. Ex-subpostmaster Alun, who was a county councillor and was chairing meetings of the local police and crime commission at the time he was accused of stealing from the Post Office, said he lost everything. His daughter also died before she could see her father's name cleared. Alun, 79, who has also been campaigning for some time for children embroiled in the scandal to not only receive compensation but mental support for what they went through, said: "The story of the Watson family is harrowing and I was very sad to hear about it, and yet what is so shocking and so sad about it is that it is not uncommon. It is a story I have heard again and again about how this scandal ruined people's lives and it did the same to my family. "My family went through hell. My wife's nerves are still not good, they've been shattered. It's what it does to your mind. It never leaves you. "I do feel to some degree it's now too late for my family. But I do firmly believe compensation must go to families like the Watsons who absolutely deserve it and are owed it. Families across the UK need the help financially but also in many cases they need support. It shouldn't be down to organisations like Lost Chances. "All power to Lost Chances who are doing everything they can to organise action and to keep pushing. I would like to make a plea to the public to please support them if you can. I can't think of a worthier cause." Post Office chairman Nigel Railton said: 'I would like to make a clear and unequivocal apology to every single person affected by this scandal on behalf of Post Office. The Horizon Scandal is not one event. "Lots of people made choices over two decades which caused serious harm to so many people. Post Office did not listen to postmasters and, as an organisation, we let them down. Postmasters and their families have suffered years of pain. It has taken them too long to clear their names and, in many cases, to receive redress. "I welcome Sir Wyn Williams' report, and I am grateful to those postmasters who gave evidence to the Inquiry. It is through their personal stories that we understand the human impact of this scandal. I will do everything in my power to make sure that affected postmasters receive the redress they are entitled to, as soon as possible. Post Office will carefully review the report and provide a full response to the inquiry by October 10, 2025, as requested by Sir Wyn.' A spokesperson for Fujitsu said: 'We have apologised for and deeply regret our role in subpostmasters' suffering. We hope for a swift resolution that ensures a just outcome for the victims. We are considering the recommendations set out by Sir Wyn in Volume One of the Inquiry's report, and are engaged with government regarding Fujitsu's contribution to compensation.' Lost Chances relies entirely on fundraising. If you would like to donate to their cause to help families like the Watsons, you can visit their page here.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
MP takes Horspath village post office petition return to No.10
An Oxfordshire MP has presented a petition with more than 500 signatures, in parliament to get a local Post Office service back after it closed earlier this Dem Henley and Thame MP Freddie van Mierlo, along with residents from Horspath village, just outside of Oxford has been campaigning to get it branch closed in 2011 because of the Horizon scandal and the outreach service, operated by the Great Milton Post Office, opened at the Horspath Hub 3 years Post Office says alternative services are within its criteria of being 3 miles or less away. Judy Kent ran the outpost service from Great Milton before it closed and said "getting the petition in front of politicians is a big step".Ms Kent explained that the post office was "very important" to the community in said: "Not a day went by when one or more people didn't say to me 'thank goodness you're here'"."There was a core of our customers who are very vulnerable, who haven't got much mobility and simply can't get to these other post offices." She said the current proposal to expect customers to go from Horspath to Little Milton isn't "good enough".She said she hopes this gets turned around for the community but her optimism has been "up and down". "At the moment it's quite up and I have a lot more hope now," she added.A Post Office spokesperson said: "We apologise for any inconvenience that these two closures may cause."The Post Office has undertaken a comprehensive review of the network to ensure that it continues to meet evolving customer needs in a very challenging economic climate.""At this time we are not looking to replace Great Milton Post Office or Horspath Outreach Post Office where there have been declining customer sessions."The alternative branch for Great Milton Post Office is Little Milton, which is 1.4 miles away. "There are three branches within three miles for Horspath with the closest being 2.14 miles away at Wheatley, with other options of Woodfarm and Risinghurst. "These meet our access criteria for Post Office provision of 99% of the UK population being within 3 miles, and 90% within 1 mile of a Post Office." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
BBC News
16-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Honorary degree for Post Office scandal campaigner Sir Alan Bates
Post Office scandal campaigner Sir Alan Bates will be awarded an honorary degree by the University of Alan spent more than two decades working to expose faulty Post Office accounting software which created shortfalls in sub postmaster accounts. The former Exeter resident was to join philanthropists, politicians, entrepreneurs and artificial intelligence pioneers being given honorary degrees this week, the university Alan said the recognition was an honour and thanked the university for its work investigating the impact of the Post Office Horizon scandal. "I feel very honoured to accept this honorary degree from Exeter," said Sir Alan. "Whilst it is many years since I have lived and worked in Exeter, I am well aware of the important work the University of Exeter Law School has undertaken to investigate the impact on the mental health of victims and the families of sub postmasters involved with the Post Office Horizon scandal." Other honorary degree recipients Former Green Party leader and co-leader Caroline LucasFormer Exeter MP and health minister Sir Ben BradshawFormer Conservative Party chair Baroness WarsiFormer Home Secretary and Chancellor of the Exchequer Sir Sajid JavidChief executive of the Met Office Professor Penny EndersbyBBC News analysis editor Ros AtkinsFounder of DeepLearning AI Andrew NgSecretary General of Medecins Sans Frontieres Christopher LockyearArts and culture coach and consultant Pippa WarinWriter Cheryl MorganEntrepreneur and philanthropist Erika Brodnock MBEPhilanthropist and former chair of Exeter's University Council Sarah TurvillChief executive of Advocates for International Development Yasmin Batliwala MBE A total of 6,348 students from 118 different countries are expected to graduate from nearly 170 courses at the university over the next two weeks. University president Professor Lisa Roberts said: "It is always so special to celebrate the amazing achievements of our graduating students with their loved ones, and wish them well as they embark on the next stage of their lives."We are also looking forward to celebrating the impact and achievements of our honorary graduates, who have made such an important contribution to society. Their work is truly inspiring, and we look forward to celebrating with them."
The Guardian
10-07-2025
- The Guardian
Self-serving Post Office bosses deserve nothing short of prison
So now we know – the Post Office Horizon scandal has not been about senior management's incompetence and their struggles to recognise that an expensive software programme might not have been all that it was cracked up to be. It has been a fundamental illustration of man's inhumanity to man, or, more precisely, it has shown just how self-serving and lacking in regard for employees senior managers have been and continue to be. Marina Hyde (Innocent subpostmasters went to jail, but now it is clear: the Post Office boss class belong there instead, 8 July) chilled my blood to the bone in describing how a postmistress made 256 calls to the helpdesk, but was still prosecuted and incarcerated, and missed her daughter's 18th birthday while in prison. She then had to endure her daughter's death a year later. Who on earth was so uninterested in the reason for so many calls, was so callous that they sat by while the postmistress was prosecuted? Hyde says the Post Office bosses should go to jail. This one example of their failure to question why so many employees were experiencing serious Horizon problems, their callous indifference, the industrial-scale cover-up, not to mention their collective amnesia of events during the inquiry, leads to only one conclusion – those bosses must be prosecuted and RobinsonLichfield Commentary on the Horizon scandal has focused on the shortcomings of Fujitsu and of the Post Office. I suggest the British judiciary must also take some responsibility. Something like 1,000 people were brought before the courts, charged with stealing huge sums of money. There was no direct evidence against them. No one could show where the money had gone; there was no sign of the accused people developing an expensive lifestyle – most could not even afford lawyers to defend them. The only evidence came from a software system that could not be cross-examined. Why did the judges allow these cases to proceed? They must, or should, have known about the hundreds of almost identical cases being prosecuted across the country. What has become of the principle of being judged guilty beyond reasonable doubt?Alan RobinsonGriffydam, Leicestershire This debacle has ruined so many lives and the perpetrators have yet to face any meaningful sanctions beyond public ignominy. Do we really have to wait for completion of the public inquiry before criminal proceedings can be started? The government should be ashamed at dragging its feet and further punishing the victims with the snail's pace of agreeing compensation. David FeltonWistaston, Cheshire Wasn't there at least one person in the Post Office hierarchy who thought, 'Hang on a minute, aren't there a disproportionate number of people suddenly apparently stealing?' Or were they all so in thrall to new technology, and being courted by Fujitsu, that common sense flew out the window?Terry StoneSouthend-on-Sea, Essex Marina Hyde's review of the scandal was, again, upsetting. A year or so ago, I felt it necessary to email Fujitsu's CEO, Takahito Tokita. I said his company should provide immediate and substantial compensation as a matter of honour, but primarily because it was at fault. I'm still awaiting a reply. Paul GarrodSouthsea, Hampshire What we didn't learn from the inquiry report – where did the money go (Post Office Horizon IT scandal: five things we learned from the report, 8 July)?Sarah Walker and Barrie de LaraNorwich Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Telegraph
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Civil servants accused of fresh Post Office cover-up
Senior civil servants have been accused of covering up a report that could have exonerated sub-postmasters wrongly accused of theft. According to newly released emails, government officials removed any reference to a secret report that contained 'explosive' evidence about vulnerabilities in the Horizon computer system and bullying by Post Office prosecutors in correspondence with the National Audit Office (NAO). The report, which was compiled by Sir Jonathan Swift KC in 2016, was previously found to have been buried by the Post Office as it prepared to fight a legal case against more than 500 former sub-postmasters. However, The Telegraph can now reveal that civil servants at the UK Government Investments (UKGI) department, which manages the state shareholding in the Post Office, also kept the Swift review secret from the NAO. The revelation comes after the official inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal said it was likely 13 people took their own lives as a result of the miscarriage of justice. Sir Wyn Williams, the chairman of the public inquiry, said Post Office bosses knew Fujitsu's Horizon software was faulty but had 'maintained the fiction' that a version of it 'was always, always accurate'. In emails seen by The Telegraph from November 2018, UKGI officials recommended deleting reference to the Swift review in correspondence with the National Audit Office (NAO), the Government's financial watchdog. The Swift review was critical of the Post Office's tactic of pressuring sub-postmasters into pleading guilty to false accounting. The NAO asked UKGI for information while it was investigating the Post Office's decision to use public money to defend a lawsuit led by the former postmasters in 2018. This prompted immediate concern among UKGI officials, who raised fears internally about how documents could be used. Following a meeting to discuss the issue, a UKGI official sent an email to Richard Callard, head of risk and compliance, and Richard Watson, UKGI's general counsel, that said: 'I would not include specific reference to Jonathan Swift in the timeline for the NAO as I am not sure this was made public. 'Just say the Chair (Tim Parker) undertook a review, and that when you talk to the NAO, you can say you understand he took some independent legal advice as part of it or something.' Two minutes later, Mr Watson replied: 'I would just remove the reference entirely. As I understand it, the Swift review was never concluded.' Soon after, the UKGI civil servant responded: 'Thanks Richard. I will remove the Swift review then.' The Government has since claimed that UKGI did not have access to the Swift report until 2020. However, officials' awareness of its existence and decision to delete reference to it will raise questions about their decision-making, particularly as lawyers and former ministers claim that suppression of the Swift Report contributed to the biggest miscarriage of justice in British history. 'This new disclosure is very important,' said Paul Marshall, a barrister who acted for three sub-postmasters in their appeals against their criminal convictions. 'It tends to confirm a view I have held for a long time that it is possible the Government and civil servants were complicit in a cover-up.' It will also support claims by Baroness Neville-Rolfe, a former Post Office minister, who previously told a government inquiry that the 'explosive' Swift review had been 'buried and suppressed'. 'Airbrushed from the narrative' The internal UKGI emails were obtained by Eleanor Shaikh, a teaching assistant who has campaigned for justice for the sub-postmasters, under the Freedom of Information Act. She told The Telegraph: 'Instead of an impartial and transparent response to the NAO, the UKGI officials buried a document which threatened the very foundation of the Post Office's defence. Their carefully crafted communications allowed for plausible deniability. 'They knew the Swift review existed but actively colluded to airbrush it from the narrative. They were acting in the interests not of justice but of the Government.'
