A victim impacted by the Post Office Horizon scandal has shared her struggle for justice following the overturning of her husband’s conviction. Glenys Eaton and her husband David, former sub-postmasters, were sentenced to six months in prison due to discrepancies in branch accounts detected by the now discredited Horizon software. Although David’s conviction was annulled in 2024, Glenys had to pressure officials with the threat of a judicial review before she was informed that her conviction could also be overturned.
During her testimony to MPs, Mrs. Eaton described her harrowing experience in prison as unjust, emphasizing their integrity. While her husband has been offered an initial compensation of £200,000, Glenys continues to await her compensation, expressing empathy for others facing similar challenges without adequate support.
The couple assumed ownership of their Post Office branch in 2000, shortly before the introduction of the Horizon system, which flagged substantial discrepancies. Both were arrested in December 2001 and subsequently prosecuted for the same offense.
David Eaton highlighted the presence of evidence from the beginning and stressed the importance of mutual support during their legal battle. He expressed concern for individuals unaware of their ability to address this issue, underscoring the challenges faced by those seeking resolution.
In a parliamentary session, it was suggested that there may be numerous undisclosed victims of the Horizon scandal, with delays in addressing potential convictions. Legal representatives of the Eatons, including David Enright of Howe and Co Solicitors, described the exhaustive efforts required to have Glenys’ conviction overturned and emphasized the likelihood of other couples facing similar situations.
Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors, representing additional victims, highlighted the trauma experienced by clients lacking adequate documentation for their cases. The government has allocated £1.8 billion for addressing the Horizon scandal, primarily for compensatory purposes.
Although Fujitsu Services, the company responsible for the Horizon system, has not earmarked compensation funds, they have expressed willingness to contribute post the completion of a detailed report on the scandal. MPs were informed that Fujitsu had continued to receive substantial government contracts despite ongoing scrutiny.
In response to inquiries about financial contributions, Fujitsu’s European chief executive, Paul Patterson, assured the committee of the company’s commitment to contribute but stated that specific figures were pending decision. Labour MP Liam Byrne criticized Fujitsu’s lack of transparency, accusing the company of exploiting the government’s funding.
Patterson defended Fujitsu, rejecting claims of exploitation and emphasizing the government’s discretion in contract extensions. He clarified that Fujitsu would refrain from pursuing new business opportunities.
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