In recent years, the Horizon IT scandal has made headlines across the UK, exposing a shocking case of systemic failure within the Post Office's IT infrastructure. This scandal has had devastating consequences for countless sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses who were wrongly accused of financial misconduct. Today, we will delve into the details of this scandal, examining the malevolent cover-up, the incompetence of the Post Office and the local government council, and the malicious prosecution that resulted in the suffering of numerous innocent individuals.

1. The Horizon IT Scandal: A Systemic
Failure and the Cruelty of Injustice
Introduction
In recent years, the Horizon IT scandal has made headlines across the UK, exposing a
shocking case of systemic failure within the Post Office's IT infrastructure. This scandal has had
devastating consequences for countless sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses who were
wrongly accused of financial misconduct. Today, we will delve into the details of this scandal,
examining the malevolent cover-up, the incompetence of the Post Office and the local
government council, and the malicious prosecution that resulted in the suffering of numerous
innocent individuals.
Background
The Horizon IT system, developed and maintained by Fujitsu for the Post Office, was introduced
in the early 2000s with the promise of revolutionising accounting practices. However, it quickly
became apparent that the software was flawed, producing errors in financial transactions and
creating discrepancies in accounts.
The Injustice Unveiled
For years, sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses were held responsible for these accounting
errors, resulting in financial losses, job terminations, and even criminal charges. Daniel Martin, a

2. retired councillor from Dorset, Poole, Broadstone, has been a vocal advocate for those affected
by the scandal, shedding light on the injustice they faced.
The Cover-Up and Malicious Prosecution
As sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses began to question the accuracy of the Horizon IT
system, their concerns were met with denial and even hostility from the Post Office. It later
emerged that the Post Office and Fujitsu were aware of the system's faults, yet they chose to
conceal this information. Instead of addressing the issue and rectifying the software's flaws, they
embarked on a campaign of malicious prosecution, accusing innocent individuals of criminal
activities such as fraud.
The Role of Local Government Council and Beneficiaries
Local government councils, including the one in Dorset, Poole, and Broadstone, failed to
diligently investigate the complaints raised by sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses. Their
failure to hold the Post Office accountable enabled this scandal to persist, causing
immeasurable harm to innocent lives.
The Impact on Sub-postmasters and Sub-postmistresses
The consequences of the Horizon IT scandal have been nothing short of devastating. Hundreds
of individuals were wrongly charged with fraud, prosecuted, and in some cases, even
imprisoned. Families were torn apart, their reputations tarnished, and their livelihoods
destroyed, all because of a systemic failure that was deliberately covered up.
The Way Forward: Seeking Justice
The public outcry and media coverage surrounding this scandal have brought much-needed
attention to the issue. Following a historic High Court case in 2019, where the Post Office was
found to have acted in bad faith, several sub-postmasters and sub-postmistresses have had
their criminal convictions overturned. However, this is only the beginning of the journey towards
justice, as many affected individuals are still awaiting compensation for the injustice inflicted
upon them.
Conclusion
The Horizon IT scandal stands as a stark reminder of the fallibility of large institutions, the
importance of accountability, and the devastating consequences of systemic failures. As we
reflect on the suffering endured by the innocent individuals caught in this web of deceit, we must
continue to push for justice and ensure that such injustices never happen again.
Written by Daniel Martin Councillor