Police investigations into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal are now considering corporate manslaughter charges. The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) recently updated victims of the ongoing inquiry, indicating that the focus has narrowed to eight suspects, with five interviews conducted under caution. Currently, there are 53 individuals identified as persons of interest, with many likely transitioning to suspect status as the investigation proceeds.
While the primary focus remains on perjury and perverting the course of justice, the NPCC is also exploring the potential for corporate manslaughter charges. The Horizon IT system, which was implemented in 1999, erroneously reported financial shortfalls in Post Office branches, leading to wrongful liabilities for sub-postmasters. The scandal has been described as the UK’s most extensive miscarriage of justice, resulting in over 900 prosecutions; some individuals faced imprisonment and others passed away while seeking justice.
Operation Olympos, the criminal investigation into the Horizon IT affairs, commenced in 2020. Last year, the NPCC expanded its efforts with a specialized team of approximately 100 officers operating from four regional hubs after concluding the public phase of their inquiry. The authorities are urging former sub-postmasters who had signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with the Post Office to come forward, as it has been confirmed that the enforcement of these NDAs will no longer apply.
The NPCC has stated that despite the consideration of additional charges, the core focus remains on current offences related to justice obstruction. They have mentioned that legal counsel is being sought from the Crown Prosecution Service regarding corporate and gross negligent manslaughter charges. Sir Wyn Williams, chair of the public inquiry, released the first part of his final report on July 8, with the second volume anticipated next year. Police have indicated that any resulting criminal trials could be delayed until 2028.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c14vxlxv4kko?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss