An individual affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal has shared her journey for justice after her husband’s conviction was overturned. Glenys Eaton and her husband David, former sub-postmasters, were sentenced to six months in prison due to discrepancies in branch accounts detected by the Horizon software. While Mr. Eaton’s conviction was annulled in 2024, Mrs. Eaton had to push for a judicial review before being informed recently that her conviction could also be overturned.
Reflecting on her time in prison, Mrs. Eaton emphasized, “The experience was extremely distressing. We are not individuals of dishonest character.” Despite Mr. Eaton being offered an initial compensation of £200,000, Mrs. Eaton is still awaiting a resolution. She expressed empathy for others facing similar situations without adequate support.
The couple assumed ownership of their Post Office branch in 2000, just before the introduction of the Horizon system, and quickly noticed significant discrepancies. Both were arrested in December 2001 for the same offense and subsequently prosecuted.
Mr. Eaton highlighted, “The evidence was clear from the beginning,” underscoring the importance of mutual support during their legal battle. He expressed concern for individuals unaware of avenues to address similar issues, who are being dismissed without proper consideration.
During a session with the Business and Trade Committee, it was suggested that there may be numerous undiscovered victims of the Horizon scandal, either hesitant to come forward or facing delays in their cases. Delays in reviewing around a fifth of potential quashed convictions were attributed to extensive requests for additional information from relevant government departments.
David Enright from Howe and Co Solicitors, representing the Eatons, described the challenges faced in overturning Mrs. Eaton’s conviction as a significant struggle involving prolonged correspondence with government entities. He emphasized the existence of other couples in similar predicaments, urging for a fair resolution for all affected parties.
Neil Hudgell, director at Hudgell Solicitors, highlighted the distress experienced by victims from past events without sufficient documentation to support their claims.
While the government has allocated £1.8 billion towards the Horizon scandal compensations, Fujitsu Services, responsible for the Horizon system, has not made provisions for compensation payments. The company’s director acknowledged ongoing errors in the system and the need for potential compensation post a comprehensive review.
Fujitsu’s continued government contract extensions have raised concerns, with MPs labeling the Horizon scandal as a significant injustice in British legal history.
In response to inquiries about compensation, Fujitsu’s European chief executive emphasized the company’s stance and the government’s discretion in contract extensions. He clarified that Fujitsu would not seek new business opportunities amid the ongoing discussions.
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