More than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office and handed criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015.
Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells is accused of overseeing what has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history.
Ahead of Ms Vennells’ evidence to the probe on Wednesday, the PA news agency looks at what the scandal is all about and why the former chief executive’s evidence is so crucial:The Horizon IT system is accounting software, owned by Japanese company Fujitsu, which saw accounts automated after subpostmasters entered their sales figures via a touchscreen.
The Post Office Horizon IT scandal has been put in the spotlight again following the release of ITV’s drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, starring actor Toby Jones.Ms Vennells was the chief executive of the Post Office between 2012 and 2019 and has been accused of covering up the scandal by subpostmasters during her time as the company’s boss.
The majority of Post Office witnesses at the inquiry have not been able to recall much about their time at the company as the scandal unfolded and subpostmasters are hoping Ms Vennells will shed light on what happened under her watch.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells to be questioned under oathMore than 700 subpostmasters were prosecuted by the Post Office and handed criminal convictions between 1999 and 2015
Read more »
'They've lost every service that was in the village': Residents ask Post Office to retain outreachVillagers have called for the Post Office to reconsider the closure of their outreach service.
Read more »
Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells hands over 50 new documents ahead of scandal inquiry appearanceThe surprise disclosure came as the inquiry heard that the former chief executive 'did not believe there had been a miscarriage [of justice] and could not have got there emotionally'.
Read more »
Terrified shopkeeper held at knifepoint in heart-stopping videoTwo disguised thieves stormed into the Sunnyside Post Office, in Sunnyside Road, Chilwell
Read more »
Moment ex-Post Office IT boss weeps as she's sworn in to Horizon probeLesley Sewell struggled to contain her emotions at the beginning of Thursday's Horizon IT inquiry proceedings, stumbling over her words as she gave the affirmation ahead of giving evidence.
Read more »
Moment ex-Post Office IT boss weeps as she's sworn in to Horizon probeLesley Sewell struggled to contain her emotions at the beginning of Thursday's Horizon IT inquiry proceedings, stumbling over her words as she gave the affirmation ahead of giving evidence.
Read more »