In a startling revelation, more than 900 sub-postmasters and postmistresses were wrongly prosecuted in the infamous Horizon scandal.
The Liberal Democrat leader, Sir Ed Davey, who served as post office minister during the coalition government, has recently admitted that he should have apologized earlier for his role in the scandal.
As this scandal continues to cast a shadow, former detectives, dubbed the ‘untouchables,’ are now being enlisted to investigate the alleged bullying and intimidation tactics employed during the wrongful prosecutions.
This development comes amid a public inquiry that has unearthed shocking details of a miscarriage of justice.
Davey’s Belated Apology
Sir Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, acknowledged that he should have apologized sooner for the grievous errors that led to the wrongful prosecutions of sub-postmasters.
Having served as post office minister between 2010 and 2012, Davey expressed remorse for not recognizing the Post Office’s deception sooner.
He explained that he was misled about the efficacy of the software and was never directly questioned about it in Parliament.
However, Davey admitted fault in not scrutinizing the events more closely, a realization that dawned on him five months after meeting Alan Bates, a key figure in exposing the scandal.
The ‘Untouchables’ Investigation
As the Horizon scandal takes center stage, a team of former detectives, led by Gary Brooks, has been tasked with investigating allegations of bullying and intimidation by the so-called ‘untouchables’ involved in the wrongful prosecutions.
The detectives are accused of behaving like ‘mafia gangsters,’ using threats and lies during their investigations.
The public inquiry, chaired by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams, has raised concerns about the conduct of these investigators, describing them as intimidating and likening their tactics to those of criminal organizations.
Victims Speak Out
Former sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses have recounted harrowing experiences, alleging that the ‘untouchables’ left them with crippling anxiety and depression.
Rta Threlfall, one of the wrongly accused, shared her ordeal of being charged with false accounting and theft, amounting to over £35,000.
The public inquiry has become a platform for these victims to expose the psychological toll inflicted upon them by the investigators.
Lawyer David Enright, representing over 150 postmasters, revealed that his clients have already spoken to the team probing the behavior of detectives, and more are set to be investigated soon.
Sacked Post Office Chairman’s Revelation
Henry Staunton, the former chairman of the Post Office, claimed that 40 investigators involved in the Horizon scandal were still employed by the postal service.
He labeled them the ‘untouchables’ due to the immense power they wielded. Staunton alleged that the Post Office chief executive had given them this nickname.
However, a source close to the Post Office reportedly denied this assertion. Stephen Bradshaw, a member of the fraud team, appeared before the inquiry to refute these allegations, denying any wrongdoing by the investigators.
Deepening Public Inquiry
The public inquiry into the Horizon scandal continues to unravel shocking details of the miscarriage of justice that unfolded between 1999 and 2015.
The faulty accounting software, responsible for the wrongful convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters, has reignited public outrage.
The inquiry has become a crucial forum for examining the quality and effectiveness of past investigations, with a focus on rectifying the wrongs inflicted upon the victims.
Swift Action Needed
Sir Ed Davey emphasized the urgency of swift exonerations, compensation for the victims, and a commitment to uncovering the truth through the ongoing public inquiry.
The Post Office, acutely aware of the human cost of the scandal, has faced criticism for its past investigation practices.
A dedicated team has been recruited to review the quality and effectiveness of previous investigations, aiming to inform current and future practices.
The Post Office pledges transparency in sharing information with former postmasters, mindful of its data protection obligations.