Expert In Mind: Supporting Victims of the Great British Post Office Scandal
The Great British Post Office Scandal has been one of the most shocking stories to emerge in recent years. More than 900 sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly accused of theft, fraud, and false accounting. Many of which have been convicted and jailed. The scandal was caused by faulty software that incorrectly made it look like money was missing from post office branches across the UK.
Expert In Mind: Supporting Victims of the Great British Post Office Scandal
Expert In Mind, the leading provider of expert psychiatrists and psychologists to the legal sector throughout the UK, recently hosted a webinar on the Post Office scandal. The webinar featured Nick Wallis, a famous investigative journalist who first broke the story. Wallis discussed the devastating impact the scandal had on the lives of innocent people who had been wrongly accused and convicted.
The Post Office had the power to prosecute, leading to 700 sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses being prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 based on the Horizon computer accounting system. Additionally, other organizations, such as the Crown Prosecution Service, have brought forward 283 cases. Despite repeated attempts to flag issues with the software. Many were convicted and imprisoned for false accounting and theft, while others were left ruined financially.
After two decades of campaigning, a legal victory was finally achieved, and 93 convictions have been overturned to date. Under government plans, victims can fill out a form stating their innocence to have their convictions overturned and claim compensation. Downing Street has also pledged to collaborate with Scotland and Northern Ireland to ensure that those wrongly accused in those nations can have their names cleared.
Moreover, the Metropolitan Police is investigating the Post Office for potential fraud offenses stemming from the prosecutions. It is worth noting that a public inquiry, which began in February 2021, is ongoing. Victims are still advocating for appropriate accountability and redress.
The scandal has also been brought back into the public eye by the new ITV drama, “Mr Bates vs. the Post Office”. Which has been hailed as the network’s biggest new drama in over a decade. The drama has brought the story of the wrongly convicted sub-postmasters back to the forefront of the nation’s mind.
Despite the pressure from national press, fewer than 100 wrongfully convicted individuals have had their innocence reinstated. However, there is hope that justice will eventually be served. The Met Police has confirmed that it is currently examining a possible conspiracy to pervert justice at the Post Office.
One of the most high-profile figures involved in the scandal has been ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells. She recently bowed to public pressure and handed back her CBE, saying that she was: “truly sorry for the devastation caused to the sub-postmasters and their families” and that she is continuing to support and cooperate with the inquiry into the scandal.
The effects of the Post Office scandal have been devastating. Particularly on the mental health of those wrongly accused and convicted. More than 700 innocent postal workers were accused of crimes they never committed. Including village post office shop owner Alan Bates, who lost £65,000. Faulty technology caused sub-postmasters across the nation to be sacked, thrown in prison, and hit with immense mental distress. Tragically, four people died by suicide and others spiralled into a deep depression.
At Expert In Mind, we understand the devastating toll that the Post Office scandal has had on the mental health and lives of ordinary Brits who were just fulfilling their normal job roles. Our highly experienced experts, personal service, and strict recruitment criteria ensure the highest standard of report for your case. We are committed to supporting victims of the Post Office scandal and helping them to get the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you or someone you know has been affected by the Post Office scandal, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Get in touch to learn more about our services and how we can help. Together, we can work to ensure that justice is served and that those affected by this terrible scandal can begin to heal.
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Expert In Mind is the leading provider of Expert Psychiatrists and Psychologists to the legal sector throughout the UK. Our exceptional service and specialized knowledge can save you precious time and help you get the best outcome for your client.
Our highly experienced Experts, personal service, and strict recruitment criteria ensure the highest standard of report for your case. Contact us today to learn how we can help you by visiting our website, or call us on 01424 444130.
We look forward to working alongside you.
