Former Fujitsu CEO Shocked by Post Office Prosecutions of Sub-Postmasters
By [Author Name], Business Reporter
Former Fujitsu boss reveals lack of knowledge about Post Office prosecutions during tenure
Former chief executive and chairman of Fujitsu UK and Ireland, Roger Gilbert, has disclosed that he was only made aware of the prosecution of sub-postmasters on a single occasion during his tenure from 2009 to 2012.
Assurance from the Horizon team
According to Gilbert, the Horizon team assured him that the Post Office was competently and honestly managing the prosecutions related to the Horizon computer system. He expresses shock over the Post Office’s actions, expressing sympathy for the victims and their families affected by the scandal.
Fujitsu, the provider of the Horizon system, declined to comment on the matter.
Detailed comments shared via email
As the former Fujitsu UK boss, Gilbert has shared his detailed comments about the Horizon scandal through email. He emphasizes the necessity of a public inquiry to shed light on the matter and looks forward to the report providing further insights.
Important period for the Horizon scandal
The period of Gilbert’s tenure marked a crucial phase in the development of the Horizon scandal. The scandal involved allegations against sub-postmasters for taking money that seemed to be missing due to faults in Fujitsu’s Horizon computer system. The convictions of approximately 50 cases per year were secured during this period.
Awareness of the dispute
Gilbert acknowledges seeing an article in a journal referencing the dispute between the Post Office and sub-postmasters. Alan Bates and the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance, who ultimately won the case in the High Court in 2019, were involved in preparations for a legal action against the Post Office.
Belief in competent management
Based on discussions with the Horizon project team and the absence of media coverage until late 2014, Gilbert and others held the belief that the Post Office was managing the Horizon-related prosecutions competently and honestly.
Limited visibility of Horizon operations
Admitting the limitations of his visibility, Gilbert emphasizes his shock at the Post Office’s treatment of sub-postmasters. He assures continued support for a fair investigation and expresses sympathy for the victims and their families.
Importance of corporate risk management
Reflecting on the Horizon scandal, Gilbert highlights the need for businesses to review their implementation of corporate risk management, particularly if they support prosecutions. He emphasizes the importance of minimizing the chances of becoming involved in an unsafe prosecution.
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