A former postmaster, who was convicted of killing his wife and sentenced to life in prison, is believed to have been denied a fair trial, as per a Horizon computer system specialist consulted by the Mirror. David McDonnell, who played a significant role at Fujitsu before the implementation of Horizon by the Post Office, raised concerns about system faults during his tenure at the company’s UK office in Feltham from 1998 to 2000.
McDonnell, who provided testimony during the official investigation into the Horizon scandal, has expressed apprehensions regarding the prosecution of Robin Garbutt for his wife’s murder in 2011. Garbutt, now 60 and serving a 15-year sentence, maintains that his wife was killed by a robber at their Melsonby post office in North Yorkshire in 2010.
According to David, the prosecution’s case against Garbutt was flawed as it relied on unreliable financial data from the compromised Horizon system. He emphasized that critical flaws in the system were ignored, leading to the wrongful prosecution of over 900 postmasters based on inaccurate information.
Despite warning about the system’s deficiencies in a report, which he co-authored, Fujitsu allegedly sidelined David before his departure in 2000. The Horizon system’s faulty programming and coding, highlighted in the report, were deemed unprecedented by David during the official inquiry.
Garbutt has made a fourth application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission seeking a retrial to clear his name, citing the rejection of previous applications. The CCRC confirmed receipt of the latest application and is conducting a review, asserting its commitment to the case. However, concerns have been raised by Dr. Mike Naughton regarding the dismissal of new evidence in Garbutt’s case by the CCRC.
Mark Baker, a former sub postmasters union official, detailed in a documentary how the discredited Horizon system influenced the jury during Garbutt’s trial. Allegations of financial troubles and personal issues were presented as evidence against Garbutt, including his wife’s involvement in an online dating site and a reported affair. Forensic analysis suggested that the murder weapon, a metal bar, had DNA from a North Yorkshire police officer.
Family members of Garbutt, including his late brother-in-law, expressed support for a retrial to establish his innocence unequivocally. Garbutt’s sister emphasized his desire for a fair retrial to prove his innocence beyond any doubt.
