Hundreds of Post Office scandal victims could soon be cleared with announcement ‘imminent’ on government’s plan
HUNDREDS of Post Office branch managers who were wrongly convicted could be cleared “imminently”, a Minister has revealed.
Rishi Sunak could set out how the government will clear hundreds of postmasters caught up in the Horizon scandal when he faces MPs at noon.
Active consideration is being given to a blanket exoneration or it could be dealt with on a case-by-case basis which would cause even further delays.
Ministers and officials are working urgently on the issue amid huge public pressure after an ITV drama on the matter was screened.
Post Office Minister Kevin Hollinrake said the government was “very, very close” to announcing the plans after holding meetings all week.
He told Sky News: “We’re very, very close. He said he won’t “speculate” whether the Prime Minister could fast-track the announcement this afternoon.
He added: “The key thing is finding a mechanism so we can rapidly overturn convictions.”
Mr Hollinrake said: “An announcement is imminent. I think it will be this week but I can’t promise you any particular timescale.”
He said the decision had not yet “been finalised” as the Horizon scandal had many “complexities” around compensation payments.
Nearly 1,000 postmasters were convicted but only 93 have had their convictions overturned.
He revealed that 130 people have come forward through legal teams since ITV screened the drama.
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The on-going public inquiry into the scandal will report by the end of the year. Those responsible may face criminal prosecution, Mr Hollinrake said.
The Minister revealed it was “certainly possible” that some individuals are guilty of offences and action must be taken if there is evidence.
Several victims have spoken publicly about their trauma after being dragged into the scandal.
Chris Trousdale, 41, was left with PTSD after Horizon wrongly reported £7,800 was missing from his post office in North Yorkshire.
The Sun reveals today how village shopkeeper Hasmukh Shingadia was backed by the Princess of Wales’ family as he fought his conviction as he fought a ten-year legal battle.
Lee Castleton, who is portrayed by actor Will Mellor in the ITV show, said it was like “fighting a war” in his crusade for justice.
He ended up being told to repay money and legal costs of more than £300,000 despite doing nothing wrong.
Shamed Post Office boss Paula Vennells surrendered her CBE “with immediate effect” on Tuesday following her handling of the affair.