CHRISTOPHER HEAD
YESTERDAY, around 60 former postmasters gathered at a hall in Fenny Compton, where their fight for justice began 15 years ago.
For some people, this was the first time they had returned to the Warwickshire village where Alan Bates got them together to begin their campaign. For others, it was the first time they had ever told their stories.
Kevin and Sharon Brown, from Sunderland, hadn’t even informed their own family members of the devastation they had suffered since she was falsely accused of theft in 2006. They still have a charge over their property to this day.
It was emotional to watch but I think for Sharon it was a huge relief to finally be able to open up and release some of the pain and trauma she has kept inside for so many years.
It was also an act of great courage to do this on national television.
In contrast, we see the now disgraced former CEO of the Post Office Paula Vennells, who has refused to ever give a public interview and is still maintaining her silence.
Kevin Hollinrake, the current Post Office minister, attended the village hall and said those who are found to be responsible should go to jail.
The Statutory Public Inquiry must get to the bottom of exactly who knew what and when, who they told and what action they took, if any.
We do not want to see one person scapegoated for this horrific scandal.
There are potentially many people involved from all levels within the Post Office, Fujitsu, and in Government.
Once all the facts have been established, we can ensure the people responsible not only face the court of public opinion but also a court of law. If found guilty, they must face the consequences.
The law failed these postmasters in a terrible way, the entire system let them down. It is vital we correct this problem to ensure this can never be allowed to happen again.
To do that, there must be a significant deterrent against corporate cover-up on an industrial scale.
If that means senior executives responsible for this scandal are tried and sent to prison, so be it.