A “significant” step has been taken in establishing a national restorative justice programme for victims of the Post Office’s Horizon IT scandal.
Children of affected postmasters, as well as those directly hit by the faulty accounting software, will be part of the partially Fujitsu-funded programme, as the UK’s Restorative Justice Council acknowledged more than financial compensation was needed.
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Data from the Fujitsu-made Horizon computer program led to the wrongful prosecution of more than 700 postmasters for theft and false accounting, while many more racked up large debts, lost homes, livelihoods and reputations as they borrowed heavily to plug the incorrectly generated shortfalls in their branches.
As part of the inquiry into the scandal, its chair, Sir Wyn Williams, recommended the government, the Post Office and Fujitsu engage in a formal restorative justice plan to provide “full and fair redress
Restorative justice aims to repair harm by bringing together victims and those responsible.
Long-sought family involvement
On Thursday, the Restorative Justice Council (RJC), which runs the project, said it would expand engagement to children and families of victims.
The move marked “a significant advancement in the establishment of a national restorative justice programme for those impacted by the Post Office Horizon IT scandal”, the body said.
Relatives have long sought acknowledgement and support for the harm they suffered.
Some have told Sky News how their…
