The ongoing public inquiry into the Post Office’s handling of the Horizon IT scandal continues to reveal significant concerns about internal practices and accountability. Barrister Simon Clarke, involved in reviewing wrongful prosecutions, accused the Post Office of concealing crucial information during his investigation into the case of Seema Misra, a subpostmistress wrongly convicted of theft in 2010 due to faults in the Horizon IT system. Clarke’s testimonies highlighted a systematic withholding of evidence and deceptive practices aimed at protecting the organization’s image rather than ensuring justice.

Key revelations include Clarke’s assertion that the Post Office maintained a deceptive culture, notably when it directed the shredding of meeting minutes related to Horizon’s faults, and obstructed internal communication and transparency. Clarke described these actions as part of a broader back-covering exercise within the organisation, rather than isolated incidents of incompetence.

During the inquiry, lawyer Brian Altman KC identified additional instances where crucial information was withheld from legal processes, including expert witness Gareth Jenkins allegedly committing perjury by not disclosing known bugs in the system. This misinformation led to questionable convictions and has been tied to a broader pattern of evasive behavior favored by the Post Office to defend the Horizon system.

This scandal has adversely affected over 700 subpostmasters, leading to wrongful accusations and convictions. Despite government promises, many victims are still awaiting compensation and resolution. The inquiry continues to piece together the extent of ethical and legal lapses within the Post Office, emphasizing a need for reform and accountability in the organization.