Sub-postmaster Alan bates’ Fight for Justice Continues as Fujitsu and Post Office face New legal Challenge
A former sub-postmaster, Mr. Alan Bates, is pursuing a personal legal claim against the Post Office and Fujitsu, alleging fraud and the suppression of evidence in a previous civil judgment against him. This case follows the widely publicized group litigation involving 555 sub-postmasters who were wrongly convicted of theft, fraud, and false accounting due to faulty Horizon accounting software developed by Fujitsu.
Background of the Case
Mr.Bates, who ran a branch in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, was pursued by the Post Office in 2007 for alleged accounting discrepancies. He fought the claim for two years,ultimately being declared bankrupt due to legal costs totaling £321,000. The Post Office and Fujitsu have already incurred combined legal costs exceeding £700,000 in this latest action.
Allegations of Abuse of Process and Fraud
Mr. Bates’ legal team argues that the Post Office’s 2007 civil claim was an “abuse of process” and that the subsequent judgment was obtained through fraudulent means. They further allege a conspiracy between the Post Office and Fujitsu to pervert the course of justice by deliberately withholding crucial evidence. This claim centers on the belief that the Post Office knowingly pursued flawed cases based on the unreliable Horizon system.
The Group Litigation and its Aftermath
The 2019 High Court ruling in favor of the 555 sub-postmasters was a landmark victory, but the promised compensation has been substantially delayed and diminished by the significant legal costs incurred by the claimants. Many sub-postmasters received only a fraction of the funds they were owed, leaving them financially vulnerable. Mr. Bates is seeking to have the original settlement set aside, arguing it was fraudulently obtained due to the “sharp practice” employed by the Post Office.
current Legal Proceedings and Strategy
During a preliminary hearing on Friday, the Post Office and Fujitsu requested that the case be split into two trials. Their argument was that a separate trial to determine if the settlement agreement prevents Mr. Bates from pursuing his individual claim would be more efficient and cost-effective. However, Mr. Bates’ legal team, led by Paul Marshall KC, contended that his claim is straightforward and does not require a separate trial. Ultimately, Mr. Justice Trower and Judge Francesca Kaye ordered the case to be split into two trials, with the reasons for their decision to be provided later.
Post Office and fujitsu’s Response
The Post Office maintains that it has attempted to resolve the issue with Mr.Bates and remains open to doing so, but asserts that his claim is not valid and that it has a duty to protect its shareholders’ interests. Fujitsu has not yet filed a formal defense to the claims.
Mr. Bates’ Pursuit of Vindication
Mr. Bates is seeking a formal acknowledgement that the original judgment against him was obtained dishonestly and a determination of the full compensation he is owed. Speaking after the hearing, he expressed confidence in his case, stating, “We certainly know what we need to do and we’re very happy where we are… The facts aren’t going to change. it’s just the money.”
Key Takeaways
- Alan Bates is pursuing a personal legal claim against the Post Office and Fujitsu.
- The claim alleges fraud and the suppression of evidence in a previous civil judgment.
- The case is linked to the wider Post Office scandal involving the faulty Horizon accounting system.
- The court has ordered the case to be split into two trials.
- Mr. Bates seeks vindication and full compensation for the financial and personal harm caused by the wrongful judgment.