Scottish government considering pardon scheme following post office scandal
More than 700 Post Office managers from across the UK were convicted after the faulty Horizon accounting software made it look like money was missing
Last updated 10th Jan 2024
The Scottish Government is looking at "the idea of a pardon scheme" for sub postmasters affected by the Horizon scandal, the Justice Secretary has said.
More than 700 Post Office managers from across the UK were convicted after the faulty Horizon accounting software, made by Fujitsu, made it look like money was missing from branches.
An ITV drama has brought the story back to the fore, with the Scottish Government looking at what can be done for those affected.
The Scottish Criminal Cases Review Commission (SCCRC) - the body tasked with assessing possible miscarriages of justice - has already sent seven such cases to the appeal court, two of which have resulted in overturned convictions, Justice Secretary Angela Constance said in Holyrood on Tuesday.
But she added: "We are, however, looking at what more can be done.
"We are looking at the idea of a pardon scheme."
In answer to SNP MSP Fergus Ewing, Ms Constance said the Government has "an open mind to the best way forward", adding that the SCCRC had proactively sought out those who may have been wrongfully convicted in 2020.
Ms Constance said she is aware of the UK-wide compensation scheme which requires an appeal court to overturn a conviction before money can be paid out, and that she has written to UK Justice Secretary Alex Chalk to see "how best we can work together".
Earlier, Rishi Sunak announced the Government will introduce new laws in England and Wales to make sure victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal are “swiftly exonerated and compensated”.
Speaking in the Commons, the Prime Minister said:
“Today I can announce that we will introduce new primary legislation to make sure that those convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal are swiftly exonerated and compensated.
“We will also introduce a new up-front payment of £75,000 for the vital GLO (group litigation order) group of postmasters.”