Horizon IT Scandal: Postmasters await justice today

[dsc]

When you read the whole story I don't really understand why anyone even believed it's the postmasters, when so many of them were allegedly involved. We are talking close to 800 people stealing money, this would have to be the biggest cooperated action of stealing money in history most likely. The fact they were prosecuted is beyond a joke, surely there was something else linking all of these "crimes" and it's obvious it's the bloody software, especially as it was only just introduced and before this there was no issues with the postmasters and I'm fairly sure most / none had any run ins with the law.

What evidence was presented against the post masters btw?

Talk about throwing people under the fecking bus

[JustKeepSwimming]

Surely no one can be buying Sunak's response?

The inquiry has been going on for over 3 years, some journalists have been screaming about the injustices the entire time (and prior) but it's only following the TV programme that Sunak suddenly decides to come in and swing his dick?

It's the same with the NHS blood scandal. Everyone knows the State ****ed up, everyone knows they deserve redress, even the State admits it, yet they drag their feet for years.

I'm pretty sure if you spent a few hours researching you'll be able to spot the next half dozen scandals coming up.

[WTFH]

What evidence was presented against the post masters btw?

Basically "Computer says you stole a load of money, computer cannot be wrong. Prove to us that you didn't"

[JustKeepSwimming]

Basically "Computer says you stole a load of money, computer cannot be wrong. Prove to us that you didn't"

As it was effectively a private prosecution the normal CPS rules on persecution didn't apply. The CPS as a rule doesn't plea bargain, it won't say 'Plead guilty to lesser charge and we won't prosecute for a higher one'. Not to say the CPS don't try and prosecute dud cases but AFAIK this is more often than not petty crimes.

Post Office did that, it secured guilty pleads through duress.

The CPS checks the Police's homework. They are more than happy to tell the police there is not sufficient evidence. When the Police and CPS are both the Post Office, of whom the senior executives are covering their ass, you're asking for trouble.

[dsc]

As it was effectively a private prosecution the normal CPS rules on persecution didn't apply. The CPS as a rule doesn't plea bargain, it won't say 'Plead guilty to lesser charge and we won't prosecute for a higher one'. Not to say the CPS don't try and prosecute dud cases but AFAIK this is more often than not petty crimes.

Post Office did that, it secured guilty pleads through duress.

The CPS checks the Police's homework. They are more than happy to tell the police there is not sufficient evidence. When the Police and CPS are both the Post Office, of whom the senior executives are covering their ass, you're asking for trouble.

What the hell is a private prosecution? Fecking hell this is beyond unreal really, surely there's a body that should now counter sue the feckers for making the whole thing up?

[dsc]

Basically "Computer says you stole a load of money, computer cannot be wrong. Prove to us that you didn't"

Wasn't there a way to manually check if all money is accounted for? also, what happened to innocent until proven guilty? (badly tested) software showing numbers isn't exactly solid proof especially as the number of people accused was so large.

[DoctorStrangelove]

Sounds remarkably like "malicious prosecution" to me. .

[JustKeepSwimming]

What the hell is a private prosecution? Fecking hell this is beyond unreal really, surely there's a body that should now counter sue the feckers for making the whole thing up?

What it sounds like. Private individuals/entities can bring a criminal prosecutions the same way the CPS can. Remember our legal history is very old, and things like CPS and police are relatively modern.

I'm not sure if Post Office given it's legal status has additional rights or if they were just using the bog standard rights you and I have.

There is a safeguard in that the CPS can take over a private prosecution, instruct the Police to gather evidence with the view to prosecute themselves or discontinue it entirely. Theoretically there is a safeguard on that via judicial review.

[vetran]

What the hell is a private prosecution? Fecking hell this is beyond unreal really, surely there's a body that should now counter sue the feckers for making the whole thing up?

RSPCA are big on this. But anyone can, seems parliament knew in 2020 but didn't care!

https://publications.parliament.uk/p.../497/49704.htm

Shocked I tell you.

[vetran]

Sounds remarkably like "malicious prosecution" & Harassment to me. .

totally agree.

The Register & Computer weekly have been shouting about this for decades the Government should have acted.