"The Post Office made a confidential deal with Fujitsu 19 years ago to fix errors in subpostmasters' accounts, a document has revealed. The 2006 agreement suggests both companies were aware of bugs in the Horizon IT system, with Fujitsu liable for a 100-150 "liquidated damages" penalty per faulty transaction. The document indicates the Post Office and Fujitsu had authorisation to alter accounts, despite claims it was not possible to do so remotely and that there were no bugs in the system."
"Around 1,000 people were wrongly prosecuted and convicted throughout the UK between 1999 and 2015 as a result of Horizon, which mistakenly showed shortfalls in accounts. It led to a significant number of subpostmasters contemplating self-harm and some taking their own lives. The long-running battle for justice accelerated dramatically after ITV broadcast the drama Mr Bates Vs The Post Office, which highlighted the scandal."
A confidential 2006 contract between the Post Office and Fujitsu obligated Fujitsu to fix errors in subpostmasters' accounts and imposed a 100-150 'liquidated damages' penalty per faulty transaction. The agreement indicates both companies were aware of bugs in the Horizon IT system and that the Post Office and Fujitsu had authorisation to alter accounts remotely, contrary to public claims. Horizon errors resulted in around 1,000 wrongful prosecutions and convictions across the UK between 1999 and 2015 and caused severe harm, including suicides. A 26-page contract marked 'commercial in confidence' was posted on the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry website, intensifying the fight for justice.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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