Freeths supporting victims of Horizon scandal as new Post Office compensation scheme launched
We continue to advise postmasters, sub-postmasters and other people who are among the hundreds whose criminal convictions are being overturned as a result of the flawed Horizon IT system. The launch of the Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme (HCRS) will deliver benefit to those who have had to live with wrongful convictions for years and have not yet received compensation after the original High Court rulings secured by Freeths and Justice for Postmasters Alliance (JFSA).
Post Office compensation
Are you, or do you know someone, affected by a Post Office Horizon-related conviction?
In May 2024, the government passed legislation quashing convictions for up to 950 individuals affected by the Post Office Horizon scandal, most of whom have not yet received compensation for this miscarriage of justice.
Are you eligible?
- You were either running or working in a Post Office branch, with or without an employment contract, that was using or had installed the Horizon IT system
- You were convicted between 23 September 1996 and 31 December 2018 of offences including false accounting, theft or fraud (including conspiracy to commit these offences)
- You could still apply if you have a deceased family member that was affected
Sir Alan Bates on why to choose Freeths?
Why trust us to help you with your Horizon Post Office compensation?
- We launched the landmark High Court victory for its 555 sub-postmasters exposing Britain's largest miscarriage of justice which led to the quashing of hundreds of criminal convictions and the ongoing public enquiry being established
- In 2022, following a tireless campaign by Sir Alan Bates and the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance (JFSA), our legal team was appointed by the government to consult on the design and implementation of the GLO scheme to award further compensation to the 555 postmasters who succeeded in the High Court
- We have worked for the sub-postmaster victims for almost a decade on the Post Office Horizon scandal
- We won the High Court case for 555 wrongly-prosecuted sub-postmasters from 2016 until 2019, successfully pursuing civil compensation claims against Post Office Limited
- We are currently supporting several hundred sub-postmasters in the recovery of compensation in the government-funded GLO Scheme
- In 2021, a statutory inquiry was commenced in relation to the Horizon IT system and the actions of Post Office Limited towards its sub-postmasters. We have assisted the inquiry and been instructed by key witnesses
Reach us easily by phone, email or our contact form
Freephone: 0800 048 5205
Email: overturnedconvictionteam@freeths.co.uk
Our telephone lines are open 24/7. This is a free and confidential service to you.
James Hartley | BBC Breakfast | 5 November 2024
Ahead of November's Select Committee regarding financial redress for sub-postmasters who were victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal, Partner and National Head of Dispute Resolution James Hartley, who is leading compensation claims on behalf of hundreds of these sub-postmasters, appeared on BBC Breakfast to discuss the ongoing inquiry.
Get in touch
Are you, or do you know someone, affected by a Post Office Horizon-related conviction? Please get in touch for free and confidential advice. Freephone: 0800 048 5205
Our clients’ inspiring fight for justice for sub-postmasters
Balvinder's story
From despair to triumph over Horizon postmaster scandal
Balvinder took over a post office in 2003 and he faced immediate challenges including false accusations of theft. His mental health deteriorated, leading to multiple hospitalisations. Discovering issues with the Horizon IT system in 2013, he sought help from Sir Alan Bates. Despite initial legal victories, Balvinder continued to struggle until we provided crucial legal and emotional support, eventually securing a satisfactory postmaster compensation settlement. Now he feels relieved and encourages others affected by the Horizon scandal to seek justice and support.
Susan's story
From Post Office pride to legal battle
Susan Knight’s story details her 32-year career with the Post Office, which took a turn when discrepancies arose in 2006, leading to a significant debt and eventual suspension in 2012. Despite being advised against legal representation, she faced court charges that were later dropped. The ordeal severely impacted her mental health, culminating in a stroke. With the support of the Justice for Sub-Postmasters Alliance and Freeths, she found legal assistance and eventually saw her case dismissed. Susan now encourages others affected by the Post Office scandal Post Office Horizon scandal to seek compensation and support from Freeths.
Dionne's story
From business success to fighting for justice against the Post Office
Dionne Henderson, a business-minded individual from South Shields, faced severe financial and emotional distress after her Post Office branches experienced unexplained shortfalls due to the defective Horizon IT system. Despite being wrongfully accused and humiliated, she fought tirelessly for justice, contributing to reports and group litigation that eventually proved the system’s flaws. The successful litigation led to a Post Office compensation scheme, providing her with some closure and encouraging others affected to seek justice.
Liz's story
From breaking point to justice over Horizon postmaster scandal injustice
Liz Stockdale’s story details her struggles with the Post Office after taking over a branch in 2014, facing unaccounted losses and lack of support, leading to severe personal and financial distress. She eventually sought help from Freeths which supported her through court proceedings and helped her avoid wrongful conviction. Her story highlights the impact of the Horizon scandal on postmasters and the ongoing efforts to secure compensation for victims, urging those affected to seek assistance from Freeths.
Our postmaster clients said:
“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 m...
Balvinder Gill
"I feel in my heart of hearts, if I had not had Freeths to help me through all of this, I would have probably been convicted of something I didn't...
Liz Stockdale
"When Freeths put my claim together as part of that scheme, I finally got some closure, and I can’t fault them. Everyone has a complicated case but...
Dionne Henderson
Sir Alan Bates, who has been at the forefront of the campaign to secure justice for sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal, said:
“It has taken a long time to get to this point, but now is the opportunity for all eligible people to come forward, clear your names and seek financial redress. So, I urge and recommend that you contact Freeths to check your eligibility and pursue your claims.
Freeths, through its work on the GLO and the GLO Compensation Scheme, has a deep understanding of the issues affecting sub-postmasters and those who have worked in Post Office branches, and will offer the support needed to guide you through the process.”
Sir Alan Bates
James Hartley, Partner and National Head of Dispute Resolution said:
“We remain focused on achieving full and fair compensation for the postmasters who we acted for in the successful high court proceedings. The Horizon Convictions Redress Scheme gives us the opportunity to help those who have not yet been compensated following the Horizon scandal.
We want to ensure that everyone is properly compensated to help them recover from the devastating consequences of the Post Office Horizon scandal.”
James Hartley
Partner and National Head of Dispute Resolution
Reach us easily by phone, email or our contact form
Freephone: 0800 048 5205
Email: overturnedconvictionteam@freeths.co.uk
Our telephone lines are open 24/7.
This is a free and confidential service to you.
Horizon compensation
Are you, or do you know someone, affected by a Post Office Horizon-related conviction?
Get in touch
For general enquiries, please complete this form and we will direct your message to the most appropriate person.