Key Points: A guide to the Post Office Inquiry
On Wednesday, the highly controversial Paula Vennells finally gave evidence at the Post Office Inquiry. She oversaw the running of the Post Office during the Horizon scandal. Her appearance marked her first public statement in nearly a decade. Throughout the interrogation – in which victims were there to witness her testimony – Vennels became emotional and admitted previous evidence she had given to MPs was incorrect.
What was the Post Office Scandal?
More than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted for stealing because of incorrect information from a computer system called Horizon.
The Post Office itself took many cases to court, prosecuting 700 people between 1999 and 2015.
Another 283 cases were brought by other bodies, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
Many sub-postmasters went to prison for false accounting and theft, and several were financially ruined.
What is the Post Office Horizon public inquiry?
A public inquiry began in February 2021, and has heard evidence from Post Office and Fujitsu employees.
The fifth phase began on Tuesday 9 April, with campaigner Alan Bates the first to appear. He was the inspiration for the ITV drama series Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which was broadcast in January 2024.
Days later, the government announced new plans to clear and compensate those affected.
During a highly anticipated session of the ongoing Post Office scandal inquiry, Vennells was interrogated in a crowded inquiry room. Numerous sub-postmasters and postmistresses attended to witness her testimony. Upon her arrival at Aldwych House, amid crowds, cameras, and photographers, Vennells faced several critical questions.
Key points from Paula Vennells testimony include:
– She began with an apology, expressing her regret for “all the sub-postmasters and their families who have suffered,” which was met with silence.
– Ms. Vennells first broke down in tears as a list of sub-postmasters and postmistresses who had been acquitted of theft accusations was read aloud.
– She disclosed that she was unaware the Post Office conducted its own prosecutions until 2012.
– The former chief executive also became emotional when discussing the case of Martin Griffiths, a former sub-postmaster. Mr. Griffiths attempted to take his own life on September 23, 2013, following accusations of a £100,000 shortfall at his Cheshire branch. He passed away in the hospital weeks later.
Post Office IT inquiry – the media reacts
The media has had its say on Vennells appearance at the inquiry – there’s little sympathy for the women who oversaw the Post Office during the post masters scandal – despite all her tears!