PA mediaThe put up workplace Horizon Scandal has been referred to as probably the most widespread abortion of the UK, when tons of of individuals have been prosecuted primarily based on the info of the responsible software program.
The rip-off broadly brought on a large public anger, on account of a success TV drama, and an extended investigation.
The first a part of the report from the official inquiry is because of being revealed on Tuesday 8 July.
What occurred and the way many individuals have been impressed?
More than 900 sub-postmasters have been prosecuted because of incorrect info from the horizon pc system.
Many sub-postmasters went to jail for false accounting and theft, and others have been wasted economically.
The put up workplace took itself in a number of circumstances in courtroom, prosecuting 700 individuals between 1999 and 2015. Another 283 circumstances have been introduced by different our bodies together with Crown Prosecution Services (CPS).
In 2017, a gaggle of 555 sub -postmasters – led by campaigner Alan Bates, Which is a knight since then – Legal motion was taken towards the put up workplace in a landmark courtroom case.
In 2019, the put up workplace agreed to pay the group £ 58M in compensation, however many of the cash went to authorized charges.
However, the motion paved the way in which for dozens of sub-postmasters His culprits have been rejected in 2021.
The episode got here after drawing the eye of the broader public final yr when it was depicted on the ITV drama, Sri Bates vs. Post Office.
Starting from drama and outrage enacted a regulation to carry legal guidelines by Parliament A regulation is serving punishment from the rip-off,
Now there are various compensation plans, and Until 2 June 2025, Thousands of sub-postmasters have been supplied greater than £ 1bn in all schemes.
What was the impact on the put up workplace staff?
Several former sub-postmasters and sub-postmistress say the rip-off ruined its life.
Some used their very own cash to cowl non-existent deficiency as their contracts said that they have been accountable for unexplained losses. Many individuals confronted chapter or misplaced their livelihood.
The marriages broke, and a few households imagine that stress died severe well being situations, intoxication and even untimely dying.
What are compensation plans?
There just isn’t a single compensation scheme to use for sub-postmasters, and private eligibility is dependent upon the particular circumstances of every case.
Four principal plans are aimed on the goal of teams of victims who had totally different experiences of the rip-off.
As of two June 2025, round 7,300 sub-postmasters in all 4 prevention schemes have been awarded £ 1.039bn. It breaks out whole:
- Lack of horizon – £ 559m
- Group litigation order plan – £ 167m
- Overnid Convention Scheme – £ 68 m
- Horizon responsible redressal scheme – £ 245m
The Independent Horizon Compensation Advisory Board Chairman Prof. Chris Hodes instructed the BBC that some private compensation claims have been “more than £ 1m”.
What is the horizon system of Fujitsu?
Was developed by horizon Japanese firm fujitsuFor duties like accounting and stocktack.
It was launched by the put up workplace in 1999.
Sub-postmasters complained rapidly about bugs within the system, because it incorrectly experiences lack, typically for 1000’s of kilos, however their issues have been dismissed.
Horizon system is Still utilized by the put up workplace And maintained by Fujitsu. The put up workplace says it continues to enhance the system, whereas it’s “planning to go into a new system, which is being developed”.
What is Post Office Horizon Public Investigation?
A public inquiry started in 2022 and heard the proof from the put up workplace and Fujitsu staff.
Last yr, Sir Alan Bates appeared within the investigation, stating that the put up workplace had spent 23 years, making an attempt to “infamy and silence”.
Paula Velans, who was the Chief Executive Officer of the Post Office between 2012 and 2019, Provided proof In May 2024, She remained for 3 days and broke into tears a number of instances. She apologized to the sub-postmasters and their households, “suffering as a result of all those who have been watching for so long”.
The first a part of the inquiry report goes to be revealed on Tuesday.
Inquiry is sort of wanting on the field workplace – taking a look at YouTube greater than 20 million instances.
There isn’t any relation with the put up workplace Told BBC How have been they watching?
Who has been criticized for the Kshitij rip-off?
With inputs from BBC