This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-69042928

The article has changed 35 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
Post Office inquiry live: Ex-boss Paula Vennells cries and admits evidence to MPs wasn't true - BBC News Post Office inquiry live: Ex-boss Paula Vennells cries and admits evidence to MPs wasn't true - BBC News
(32 minutes later)
We are back after the break and the inquiry is now being shown a 2013 letter written to Vennells by a sub-postmaster whose Horizon system was showing shortfalls. Beer asks Vennells if she repeatedly received letters from sub-postmasters and people on behalf of sub-postmasters raising complaints or concerns about Horizon.
The inquiry's lawyer Jason Beer KC is pushing her over how sub-postmasters were being routinely held liable for shortfalls, even where they were saying there must be problems with their computer system. "Yes, I would," replies Vennells.
Vennells says her understanding of the contract with branch managers at the time was that any shortfalls must be "made good". "Did you see a pattern between them?" he asks.
Beer points out the contract did not say explicitly say that, so asks Vennells why she believed that to be the case. Vennells says she "can't recall" why she thought that. "I saw the theme of Horizon coming up, yes," she replies.
The lawyer asks what the point of any investigation would be if sub-postmasters had to repay shortfalls anyway. Vennells says that it would be "irresponsible" not to investigate. Beer presses she did anything to join the dots between them.
Vennells says the dots were being joined in the investigative work in the complaints and mediation scheme, adding that she believes each case was looked at in detail.
She says that she regrets that none of the issues were exposed in those investigations.
FacebookFacebook
TwitterTwitter
ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkRead more about these links.ShareView more share optionsShare this postCopy this linkRead more about these links.
Copy this linkCopy this link