Post Office to Contest Landmark Appeal in Capture Miscarriage Case
The Post Office is set to oppose the first-ever legal appeal regarding the controversial Capture software at the Court of Appeal, as confirmed by Sky News. The case involves the conviction of Pat Owen, a former sub-postmistress who was wrongfully found guilty of theft in 1998, with evidence derived from the flawed Capture computer system.
Details of the Case
Owen, who sadly passed away in 2003, became a victim of what many are now calling a miscarriage of justice. Last year, her case was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), and the Post Office has since decided to challenge this appeal. A representative from the Post Office stated that the matter should be thoroughly evaluated by the Court of Appeal.
Capture, an accounting tool implemented in up to 2,500 branches during the late 1990s, was widely used before the introduction of the infamous Horizon system, which also led to numerous wrongful convictions. A governmental report published in 2024 indicated that Capture was likely responsible for several inaccurate accounting errors.
Family Response and Appeal Timeline
Mrs. Owen’s family has expressed their disappointment as they prepare to address the court again after nearly thirty years of seeking justice. They were informed shortly before a new submission deadline of January 30 that the Post Office would oppose the appeal. As legal consultations are pending, the family has refrained from commenting publicly about the case at this time.
Voices of the Wrongfully Convicted
Steve Marston, another former sub-postmaster who was convicted under similar circumstances involving Capture, condemned the Post Office’s decision to oppose the appeal. He criticized the organization for displaying “contempt” towards the lives of postmasters affected by the faulty software. Marston argued that there is substantial evidence demonstrating the Post Office’s ongoing intimidation and prosecution of individuals, even when it was known that the software was unreliable.
Post Office’s Statement
A spokesperson for the Post Office clarified their position, stating that this appeal marks the first Capture case referred to the Court of Appeal by the CCRC. They affirm their commitment to addressing all unsafe convictions and maintaining cooperation with the CCRC. The spokesperson emphasized their obligation to assist the court and noted that the time taken for the submission reflects a careful evaluation of the evidence presented.
Background
Last year, Sky News uncovered an expert report from 1998 indicating that the Capture software contained significant faults. This document, originally commissioned by solicitors representing Mrs. Owen, was served to the Post Office but may not have been presented to the jury during her trial. In response to the wider fallout, a government redress scheme was launched last year for other victims of Capture who were not convicted.
This developing case underscores the broader implications of the Post Office scandal, highlighting both past injustices and the continuing efforts to achieve accountability for those affected.
Source: Original Article
