Criminal trials stemming from the Post Office Horizon IT scandal may not commence until 2028, according to the police chief leading the investigation. This revelation comes amidst growing frustration from victims eager for accountability, though some acknowledge the necessity of a thorough and meticulous investigation given the complexity of the case.
Justice Delayed: Post Office Scandal Trials Pushed to 2028
Metropolitan Police Commander Stephen Clayman, who heads Operation Olympos, the criminal investigation into the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, has indicated that the first trials are unlikely to begin before 2028. This timeline is largely due to the need for the police to meticulously review the final report from the public inquiry, expected later this year, before handing files to prosecutors.
Key Takeaways
- Criminal trials related to the Post Office Horizon IT scandal are projected to start no earlier than 2028.
- The police investigation, Operation Olympos, has identified seven suspects and is looking into 45-50 potential suspects.
- Files will not be submitted to prosecutors until after the public inquiry’s final report is published.
- Victims express frustration over the delay but also emphasise the importance of a thorough investigation.
The Investigation’s Progress and Challenges
Operation Olympos, which began in 2020, has intensified its efforts following the conclusion of the public inquiry’s evidence phase in December. Two individuals were interviewed under caution recently, adding to two suspects interviewed in 2021. Commander Clayman stated that the initial focus is on those at the forefront of the scandal, including Post Office investigators and solicitors, with plans to expand to wider management.
The investigation faces significant challenges, including sifting through millions of digitised documents. The initial 1.5 million documents are expected to increase to six million. A team of 108 officers across four regional hubs is dedicated to this task, with involvement from police forces across the UK.
Victims’ Perspectives and Calls for Urgency
Former sub-postmaster Tim Brentnall, whose conviction was overturned in 2021, expressed the victims’ desperation for accountability but conceded that the police should "do it properly" if it requires more time. However, lawyer David Enright highlighted the tragic reality of sub-postmasters dying without seeing justice, questioning the urgency of the police investigation.
Both the Post Office and Fujitsu, the company behind the Horizon system, are reportedly cooperating with the police investigation. The Post Office stated its full and open cooperation since early 2020, providing necessary information for the investigation.
