Press release -
Convictions overturned at Court Of Appeal
Three convictions in cases prosecuted by Post Office were overturned at the Court of Appeal today (1 February 2024), following appeals lodged within the past two weeks.
A Post Office spokesperson said:
“We are deeply sorry for past wrongs. We’re doing our utmost to ensure any injustices are put right as swiftly as possible and full, fair compensation paid.
“We continue with extensive work to support and progress the overturning of wrongful convictions and strongly encourage people who have not yet come forward to appeal to consider doing so.”
The total number of convictions overturned is now 100. This includes eight convictions overturned in cases prosecuted by other bodies, not Post Office.
Post Office has contacted the vast majority of people who were convicted in the 700 cases identified as Post Office prosecutions between 1999 and 2015 and in which Horizon evidence may have featured. There are 25 people who are not yet traced despite continuing strenuous efforts to do so.
There are approximately 250 people who, to date, have not responded at all, despite multiple contact from both Post Office and, separately, the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC).
Post Office has also put in place a package of support through Citizens Advice for people who may wish to consider appeal. This service aims to provide preliminary information about the appeals process, directing them to both the practical and emotional support which is available.
Notes to editors:
- Post Office has also identified 283 cases which potentially featured Horizon evidence and which were prosecuted during the relevant time (1999 – 2015) by other bodies, not Post Office. Other prosecuting bodies include the Crown Prosecution Service, the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) and, as above, COPSF in Scotland and PPSNI in Northern Ireland. The relevant prosecuting authority in each case is responsible for the ongoing duties which attach to them including the handling of appeals. Post Office continues to help other prosecuting authorities to ensure that they have every assistance in taking their work forward. This includes sharing all the information we have in relation to prosecutions which have been brought by other prosecutors.
- On 10 January 2024, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak made a statement to the House of Commons: Government to quash wrongful Post Office convictions. Post Office continues to work with the Government to support its efforts to speed up the exoneration of people with wrongful convictions.
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About the Post Office
- With over 11,500 branches, Post Office has the biggest retail network in the UK, with more branches than all the banks and building societies combined.
- Post Office is helping anyone who wants cash to get it whichever way is most convenient. Partnership with over 30 banks, building societies and credit unions means that 99% of UK bank customers can access their accounts at their Post Office.
- Cash withdrawals, deposits and balance enquiries can be made securely and conveniently over the counter at any Post Office; and the biggest investment by any organisation or company in the last decade is being made to safeguard 1,400 free-to-use ATMs across the UK.
- Post Office is simplifying its proposition for Postmasters with a focus on its cash and banking; mails and parcels; foreign exchange; and; bill payments services.
- Research has found that visits to the Post Office help drive another 400 million visitors to other shops, restaurants and local businesses equating to an estimated £1.1 billion in additional revenue for High Street businesses.
- 99.7% of the population live within three miles of a Post Office; and 4,000 branches are open seven days a week.
