The MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, Keith Brown, has recently called for the Scottish legal system to clear the names of the Scottish sub-postmasters wrongly convicted in the Post Office Horizon Scandal. 

Between 2000 and 2014, The Post Office wrongly prosecuted over 700 branch managers across the UK – an average of one a week. This was based on information from the software in use by The Post Office at the time, known as Horizon. These branch managers were then given criminal convictions due to this faulty accounting software.

Robert Thomson, former postmaster of Cambus Post Office contacted Mr Brown’s office in 2022. Mr. Thomson is one of six former sub-postmasters affected by this scandal currently going through the Scottish appeal courts. 

In England, the appeals process has largely concluded – with those affected having their convictions repealed and receiving interim compensation. It’s since become clear that many of the Scottish postmasters are yet to have their convictions repealed, including Robert Thomson. 

It is believed that this may be due to information which the Post Office currently holds. 

Keith Brown has therefore written to the Post Office regarding this case, calling for them to release this information in order to ensure that those affected soon have their convictions repealed. 

In order to further put pressure on the Post Office, Keith has also written to the Scottish Solicitor General asking them to exercise any legal powers they possibly can in order to ensure that the Post Office releases this information, to increase the chances of getting justice for those wrongly convicted. 

Commenting, Robert Thomson said  

“We need as much publicity as possible about this scandal. We have already lost one person and have all been through enough grief and embarrassment. 

“We need justice and I’m glad Keith Brown MSP has taken up this cause for us.”

Commenting further, Keith Brown MSP said: 

“The Post Office scandal is one of the most shocking instances of a denial of justice we’ve seen in Scotland. 

“I have been in contact with both Robert and the body responsible for the case review in recent months and have been informed that a key part of his appeal progressing further is the Post Office releasing information that it holds. I’ve therefore contacted The Post Office to seek assurances that they will soon provide all necessary evidence without delay.

“I’ve also brought this to the attention of the solicitor general in the hope they can exercise any legal power they can in order to end the denial of justice to those wrongly convicted. 

“After more than 16 years it is important that Robert and everyone affected by this scandal resident in Scotland are able to clear their names. They have endured years of legal proceedings, embarrassment and heartache – it is time they are allowed to move on and gain access to the compensation that has already been given to those elsewhere in the UK.”