Post Office Horizon Scandal: 13 Postmasters Dead by Suicide, 59 'Considered It' After False Theft Claims

The Post Office Horizon Scandal has a tragic toll resulting in the deaths of more than 13 people by suicide. It has also driven 59 more to contemplate killing themselves.

This was noted in initial findings from a public inquiry labelling the worst miscarriage of justice in UK history. The 162-page volume one report was authored by Sir Wyn Williams, a retired judge who chaired the hearings.

For reference, 1,000 post office operators were prosecuted by the Post Office between 1999 and 2015. Central to the scandal is Fujitsu, the developer of the faulty Horizon IT system. Similarly, Post Office heads either knew or should have known that it wasn't performing as intended.

Additionally, there was an issue with compensation. It was argued that the Post Office adopted an 'unnecessarily adversarial attitude' to those seeking financial redress. This included 10,000 employees, far more than the 1,000 people initially prosecuted.

The Aftermath of the Post Office Horizon Scandal

He acknowledged the 'disastrous human impact' the matter had on thousands of post office operators. The document assesses the postmasters wrongly held responsible for issues caused by faulty software.

Williams said that the evidence conveyed a 'profoundly disturbing' picture. Four suicides have been blamed on the scandal. However, Williams said at least 13 could be linked to it. The total could even be higher with unreported deaths, he added.

Some have also tried on more than one occasion. The report noted that the thought of suicide 'was a common experience across both those who were and were not prosecuted.'

The victims 'had suffered very significantly and many had endured a degree of hardship which was very severe by any standards.' Some became seriously ill, had issues with mental health, and even bankruptcy.

Even workers who were acquitted found themselves 'ostracised' in their communities. Around 350 people passed away prior to even receiving compensation.

Williams' Solution to the Fallout

He called for urgent action to deliver 'full and fair' compensation. He said victims should receive free legal advice, helping them decide between a fixed-sum offer or assessment of their claims. In addition, close family members of those affected should also be compensated.

He added that the government had until 10 October to respond. He also asked the ministers, Post Office, and Fujitsu to outline a programme for restorative justice.

Post Office's Response to Those Affected

In response to Williams' findings, chair of Post Office Nigel Railton delivered an apology to those affected by the scandal. On behalf of the company, he admitted 'as an organisation we let them down'.

He then vowed to do everything in his power to make sure affected branch operators received the redress they were entitled to as soon as possible.

Next Steps For the Matter

Williams' report follows 225 days of inquiry hearings with 298 witnesses. The total compensation wasn't detailed yet at the time of writing. As per the government, more than £1 billion has been paid out to more than 7,300 post office operators by 9 June.

In addition, the date hasn't been set yet for volume two of Williams' findings. This is slated to cover the technical issues with the Horizon IT system, the Post Office's handling of the reported discrepancies, and the legal proceedings against the operators. It could come as late as next year.