By Lucy Ashton
MSP Jackie Baillie has called on the Scottish Government to ensure that justice is done for Scots’ sub-postmasters caught up in the Horizon scandal.
STV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office has returned the spotlight to the controversy, which erupted after Post Office branch owners faced allegations of fraud between 1999 and 2015.
Public anger has grown over the reluctance of both the Post Office and Government to listen to fears that their Horizon computer software was responsible for the errors in accounting.
It resulted in criminal convictions, loss of livelihood, financial detriment, public shame and even jail terms, for many who ran smaller Post Office branches.
The UK Government has now announced plans to overturn the convictions of all those accused of fraud linked to Horizon and move quickly to offer compensation.
Many feel that this does not go far enough in assisting those whose lives and livelihoods were ruined by the rogue computer system.
But the controversy rumbles on in Scotland, where lawyers fear Scots’ victims could be left behind.
They have called on the Scottish Government to ensure that justice is done in the estimated 100 affected Scottish cases.
Whilst the Post Office acted as the prosecutor of victims in the English courts, the Scottish Legal system is different and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) brought charges against affected parties here.
First Minister Humza Yousaf has promised a pardon in Scottish cases but victims have been left asking how long it will take.
A question mark also hangs over compensation.
“Scotland differs from England in that the Crown Office was responsible for prosecuting those affected and their handling of these cases should be urgently reviewed.
“I call on Humza Yousaf to take swift action to remedy the situation and ensure compensation for those who have already lost so much.”
