Paul Patterson, the head of Fujitsu Europe, expressed uncertainty about the reliability of the Horizon IT system, acknowledging it has had bugs, errors, and defects. He stated there is a 'level of unreliability' in the system that directly impacts the sub-postmasters who still rely on it. This admission comes amid a public inquiry into the wrongful convictions of these individuals, raising significant concerns about the support systems that the Post Office has in place.
During his testimony, Patterson conveyed his fears regarding the potential extension of Fujitsu's contract for the Horizon system, stating, 'If you don't keep IT systems upgraded, I cannot determine what will or will not happen.' His concerns suggest a lack of confidence in the system's ability to function reliably if the contract is renewed, highlighting the risks associated with the ongoing use of a flawed system.
Patterson reiterated Fujitsu's commitment to compensating the victims of the Horizon scandal, calling it a moral obligation. However, he also stated that the company wants to wait until the inquiry concludes before proceeding with compensation, insisting that these matters are complex and warrant thorough understanding before action can be taken.
In a tense interaction with counsel Sam Stein, Patterson reflected on the pressure Fujitsu is facing, affirming the company's recognition of the need to act on its commitment to compensation. Stein challenged him, stating, 'You already accept that there is a need for Fujitsu to put its money where its mouth is,' emphasizing the urgency for accountability.
Collection
[
|
...
]