A victim impacted by the Post Office Horizon controversy has shared her struggle for justice following the successful appeal of her husband’s conviction. Glenys Eaton, a former sub-postmaster, along with her husband David, received a six-month jail sentence due to discrepancies in branch accounts detected by the now discredited Horizon software. While David’s conviction was overturned in 2024, Glenys had to push for a judicial review before being informed recently that her conviction could also be overturned.
During her testimony to Members of Parliament, Glenys expressed the distressing experience of her time in prison, emphasizing their integrity as individuals. While David has been offered an initial compensation of £200,000, Glenys is still awaiting a resolution, expressing empathy for others facing similar challenges without adequate support.
The Eatons took over their Post Office branch in 2000, just before the introduction of the Horizon system, where they noticed significant discrepancies almost immediately. Both were arrested in December 2001 for the same offense and subsequently prosecuted.
David stressed the presence of evidence from the beginning and highlighted the importance of mutual support during their legal battle. He urged others unaware of their options to address similar issues not to be dismissed.
MPs were informed during a committee hearing that there might be numerous unreported victims of the Horizon scandal, with delays in resolving about a fifth of the potential convictions due to extended information requests by government departments.
Legal representatives, including David Enright of Howe and Co Solicitors, emphasized the challenging process involved in overturning convictions, pointing out the need for systemic reforms to prevent similar injustices in the future.
Neil Hudgell from Hudgell Solicitors highlighted the trauma faced by victims lacking documentation to support their cases, underscoring the need for comprehensive assistance and redress mechanisms.
Despite the government allocating £1.8 billion for compensation related to the Horizon scandal, Fujitsu Services, the company behind the Horizon system, has not earmarked any funds for potential compensation, pending the completion of an official report on the matter.
MPs criticized Fujitsu for its reluctance to disclose contribution details, with concerns raised about the company’s accountability in addressing the financial implications of the scandal. Fujitsu defended its position, stating that it is the government’s prerogative to extend contracts and clarified its stance on future business engagements.
The Horizon scandal has been widely condemned as one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British history, prompting calls for greater transparency and accountability from all involved parties.
