Balvinder Gill’s Story: From Despair to Triumph Over Horizon Scandal Injustice

Taking over the Post Office

I took over a post office in Oxford in 2003 and I had horrendous problems from the start.

Accusations and family impact

The Post Office initially accused me of stealing more than £100,000 and I was labelled a fraudster that impacted relationships with my wife and my family. My parents were duped by the Post Office into taking the business back over on basis that I was a “bad egg”, but my mum was prosecuted six years later for the same thing, so lightning struck our house twice.

Personal and mental health struggles

It was a horrendous time for me – I was earning minimum wage; my family completely broke up and I began to have suicidal thoughts. I became so depressed that I had manic episodes and was sectioned four times between 2016 and 2020, spending my 40th birthday in a psychiatric facility.

Discovering the Horizon system issues

In 2013, I started to read about concerns with the Horizon system in Computer Weekly and so I reached out to Sir Alan Bates and sent him a distress signal, an SOS. I had filed for bankruptcy, and I had nothing left to give – the post office had bled me dry. Reaching out to Sir Alan was my last hope.

Lowest point and seeking support

My marriage broke down in 2017 and I was forced to move back in with my parents with just the clothes on my back and nothing to my name. It was the lowest point in my life. I started attending The Justice for Postmasters Alliance (JFSA) meetings just to pass the time. It soon became clear that were there so many more of us affected and traumatized by the Post Office’s actions. It was clear that Post Office were responsible for what I, and others, had gone through.

Legal battles and emotional support

After the first high court judgment, we (postmasters) felt we had secured victories over Post Office, but we were yet to be compensated fully for the trauma caused by Post Office. Shortly thereafter I had another breakdown but then Freeths began working with me on the GLO compensation scheme and supported me more than I can begin to describe.

Connection with Freeths lawyers

One of the Freeths lawyers became a confidante for myself and my parents, really helped us both emotionally and financially. At this point, I had no faith and I sat and cried and had my lawyers crying with me. As much as they gave me legal support, they gave me such incredible personal support and they kept me moving forward. The connection I have with my lawyers at Freeths because of those moments will never go away.

Perseverance and settlement

The Freeths legal team continued to reassure me and that my case was strong and to persevere with my claim. My claim in the GLO Compensation Scheme has now been settled and I have received an amount which I am happy with.

Finding closure and moving forward

Now, I feel relieved and have some closure now and the way my case was handled by Freeths was impeccable from start to finish. The lawyers were companions and completely believed in me the whole way.

A positive outlook

I finally now feel that I’m getting my life together. I can look forward and I have some financial stability instead of the uncertainty about where my life is.

Message to others affected by the Horizon scandal

The future feels more positive than certainly it did and it’s about staying grounded and feeling reassured.

My message to anyone out there who has been affected by the Horizon scandal is to come forward. However afraid you are, the tables have turned, and the truth is shining through. I lived in the shadows for many years but please don’t feel defeated. You CAN move from victim to survivor and Freeths can give you the closure you need.

Sir Alan Bates on why to choose Freeths?