What caused the Post Office Horizon scandal?

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The Post Office Horizon scandal was caused by a software glitch in the organisation's IT system.

The faulty Horizon IT system led to discrepancies in accounts, resulting in hundreds of Post Office workers being wrongly prosecuted for fraud between 2000 and 2014. This software issue caused the appearance of financial shortfalls, which were then attributed to the sub-postmasters managing individual branches.
Software Glitch Led to False Prosecutions

The core of the Post Office Horizon scandal stems from a defect within the Horizon IT system. This glitch created artificial accounting shortfalls, which were subsequently used as evidence to prosecute numerous postal workers. The period of these prosecutions spanned from 2000 to 2014, highlighting a prolonged period of injustice.
Severe Consequences for Victims

The impact of these wrongful prosecutions was devastating for those affected. Some individuals were imprisoned, while others faced the loss of their jobs and homes. Many were driven to bankruptcy, and tragically, some died before their names could be cleared and the truth revealed.
Compensation Efforts Underway

In response to the widespread injustice, the British government announced plans to establish a new compensation scheme. This initiative aims to provide fair financial recompense to those sub-postmasters who took legal action against the Post Office over the system's failings and suffered the consequences. This follows a previous settlement in December 2019 where the Post Office agreed to compensate 555 sub-postmasters, though many found the amounts insufficient after legal fees.

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What caused the Post Office Horizon scandal?

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