Former Sub-Postmaster Lee Castleton Seeks Justice in Landmark Legal Action Against Post Office and Fujitsu
In a groundbreaking move, former sub-postmaster Lee Castleton is taking legal action against the Post Office and Fujitsu, marking the first individual Horizon IT scandal victim to sue both organizations. His case has gained significant attention as one of the most high-profile incidents in the scandal that saw hundreds of sub-postmasters wrongly convicted due to faulty software indicating discrepancies in their branch accounts.
Seeking Compensation and Vindication
Mr. Castleton is seeking compensation, alleging that the civil judgment against him was obtained through fraudulent means. In an interview with the BBC, he expressed his desire for justice and public vindication. The Post Office and Fujitsu have been contacted for their response to the legal proceedings initiated by Mr. Castleton.
Legal Action Unveiled
On Tuesday, Mr. Castleton instructed his solicitors at Simons Muirhead Burton to file proceedings at the High Court against the Post Office and Fujitsu on his behalf. Unlike other victims whose convictions have been overturned, Mr. Castleton’s civil judgment remains intact. His legal action aims to set aside or overturn this judgment, giving him the opportunity to have his case heard in court.
Lack of Trust in Compensation Schemes
Despite receiving an interim payment, Mr. Castleton chose not to engage in the Post Office’s compensation scheme, citing his lack of faith in the process. He believes that his case should be resolved through a court hearing rather than relying on the compensation schemes established by the Post Office.
A History of Legal Battles
In 2007, Mr. Castleton faced a prolonged legal battle against the Post Office, which accused him of a cash shortfall of £25,000 at his branch in Bridlington, East Yorkshire. After exhausting his legal insurance and representing himself in court, he incurred legal costs amounting to £321,000, leading to his declaration of bankruptcy.
Allegations of Misconduct
During the public inquiry, evidence surfaced suggesting that Fujitsu had failed to disclose known errors in the Horizon system to Mr. Castleton during his court proceedings. His lawyer, Simon Goldberg, asserts that the Post Office, in collaboration with other parties, withheld crucial evidence regarding the system’s reliability, aiming to make an example out of Mr. Castleton.
The Path Forward
Mr. Goldberg plans to argue that the claim against Mr. Castleton was an abuse of process, intended to showcase the Post Office’s power rather than recover funds. He also alleges that the judgment was obtained through fraudulent means, as both the Post Office and Fujitsu were aware of the system’s operational shortcomings.
Conclusion
As Lee Castleton embarks on this legal battle against the Post Office and Fujitsu, he not only seeks personal justice and vindication but also aims to support other victims fighting for compensation in the Horizon IT scandal. His case highlights the complexities and injustices that have plagued the sub-postmasters affected by the faulty software.
FAQs
- What is the Horizon IT scandal?
- The Horizon IT scandal refers to a case where hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly convicted due to discrepancies in their branch accounts caused by faulty software.
- Why is Lee Castleton’s case significant?
- Lee Castleton’s legal action against the Post Office and Fujitsu is the first of its kind by an individual victim of the Horizon IT scandal, shedding light on the systemic issues and injustices within the organizations involved.