Press release -
FIVE CONVICTIONS IN POST OFFICE CASES OVERTURNED AT SOUTHWARK CROWN COURT
Five convictions in cases prosecuted by Post Office between 2001-2006 were overturned at Southwark Crown Court today, 27 September 2023.
A Post Office spokesperson said:
“We are deeply sorry for past wrongs. We’re doing our utmost to ensure any injustices are put right and full, fair compensation paid.
“We strongly encourage anyone who believes they were wrongly convicted for any reason to consider an appeal, with free, independent and confidential support available to help them do so.”
Both Post Office and, separately, the independent Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), have continued to directly contact people who may be affected. In addition, Citizens Advice offers a free, confidential service, providing information on how to appeal, including details of independent lawyers already representing others convicted in Post Office prosecutions.
The total number of convictions overturned, including those today, is 91. This included three convictions overturned in cases prosecuted by other bodies, not Post Office.
Compensation
More than £21 million compensation has been paid to date to people whose convictions have been overturned, including interim payments in advance of final settlements.
Notes to editors:
There are 250 people who have not so far responded to contact from Post Office. We encourage people to seek help and advice available. Information about assistance for appeals can be found on Citizens Advice, CCRC, and Post Office websites. Those who have responded that they do not want further contact and/ or to seek to appeal, can change their minds at any time. This also includes anyone acting on behalf of any individuals who are sadly deceased.
On 18 September the Government announced that every Postmaster who was wrongfully convicted and has had their conviction overturned as it was reliant on Horizon evidence will be given the option of settling their claims for compensation for an up-front sum of £600,000, without the need to bring a formal claim. Details of the Government’s announcement can be found here: Government announces £600,000 of new compensation for every wrongfully convicted Postmaster - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Categories
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.
