Lee Castleton Sues Post Office and Fujitsu Over Horizon IT Scandal.

Lee Castleton is launching legal action against the Post Office and Fujitsu, becoming the first individual to sue both organizations in connection with the notorious Horizon IT scandal.

Castleton is seeking compensation and pushing to have the civil judgment against him overturned, claiming it was obtained through fraud. His case highlights the ongoing issues caused by faulty software that led to the wrongful convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters.

What is the Horizon IT Scandal?

The Horizon IT scandal involved hundreds of sub-postmasters who were wrongfully convicted after the Post Office’s Horizon system falsely reported discrepancies in branch accounts.

Related:What Is the UK Post Office Scandal?

This software was supposed to track financial transactions and ensure accuracy, but instead, it caused numerous errors, leading to criminal charges against innocent employees. Castleton’s case is particularly notable because, unlike many other victims, his civil judgment still stands despite the legal challenges brought against the system.

Castleton's Fight for Justice

Lee Castleton, a former sub-postmaster, lost a two-year legal battle against the Post Office in 2007 when it accused him of misplacing £25,000. After his legal insurance ran out, Castleton had to represent himself in court, leading to a massive £321,000 legal bill.

This ultimately resulted in Castleton declaring bankruptcy. Now, he is fighting for justice, as he believes the civil judgment against him was fraudulent. His legal action against the Post Office and Fujitsu seeks to overturn this judgment and expose the wrongdoing behind the Horizon system’s failures.

The Role of Fujitsu and Post Office in the Case

During the public inquiry into the Horizon scandal, it was revealed that Fujitsu, the company responsible for the Horizon system, had known about errors in the software but had failed to disclose this information during court proceedings.

Castleton’s lawyers argue that the Post Office conspired with Fujitsu to withhold vital evidence, which ultimately resulted in his wrongful conviction. The legal action aims to prove that the entire process was an abuse of power and that the judgment against Castleton was obtained through fraudulent means.

Lee Castleton is not only seeking justice for himself but also advocating for other victims of the Horizon IT scandal. He has expressed little faith in the compensation schemes set up by the Post Office, which have been criticized for their inadequacies.

The Horizon IT scandal is a deeply troubling example of how faulty technology, paired with systemic failures, can devastate the lives of innocent people. Hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongfully convicted based on errors in the Horizon system, which incorrectly showed discrepancies in branch accounts.

The fact that this scandal persisted for years, with victims bearing the burden of legal fees, bankruptcy, and ruined reputations, is unacceptable. By bringing this case to the High Court, Castleton aims to raise further awareness of the issue and support others who have been wrongfully convicted.

Lee Castleton's determination is supported by his legal team, including Simon Goldberg, who is ready to take the case to trial if necessary.