A group of former sub-postmasters, whose convictions were overturned, have been informed they will receive full compensation. Previously, the Post Office had offered them a lower sum as it did not believe evidence about the Horizon software was crucial in their prosecutions. However, Post Office Minister Kevin Hollinrake has now agreed they should be treated equally. This decision brings relief to Teju Adedayo and Parmod Kalia, two of the five sub-postmasters known as the “public interest cases”.
The Post Office did not oppose their appeals when their convictions were quashed at Southwark Crown Court in 2021, but maintained that if there had been retrials, there was a reasonable prospect of conviction. Therefore, it argued that Adedayo and Kalia were not owed full compensation for malicious prosecution.
However, Professor Chris Hodges, chair of the Independent Horizon Compensation Advisory Board, described their situation as “unfinished business” and expressed delight that they will now be treated fairly.
Adedayo and Kalia were among hundreds of sub-postmasters prosecuted for stealing money due to incorrect information provided by the Horizon computer system developed by Fujitsu. They both felt pressured to accept a financial settlement from the Post Office that was significantly less than what was offered to others who were wrongfully convicted.
Kalia, who was sentenced to six months in prison in 2001, has suffered poor physical and mental health since his conviction. Adedayo was given a suspended sentence and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service. She confessed to being responsible for the shortfalls at her post office in Kent to avoid the risk of imprisonment.
Now, Adedayo, Kalia and the rest of the group will be included in the same compensation scheme as others who were wrongfully convicted. Hollinrake stated that all affected postmasters should be treated equally and anyone who lost out due to the Post Office IT scandal will receive full and fair compensation. Those whose convictions are overturned can choose to take a fast-tracked £600,000 settlement, or can enter into negotiations if they feel they are entitled to more.
