Former Post Office boss Paula Vennells ignored calls from the organisation’s prime administration crew to halt sub-postmaster prosecutions, the Horizon IT inquiry has heard.
Former prime in-house lawyer Chris Aujard stated that in 2013 the chief committee “were in favour of ceasing prosecutions entirely”, however Ms Vennells stated “limited” prosecutions ought to proceed.
The inquiry is investigating the wrongful conviction of tons of of sub-postmasters on the premise of proof from the defective Horizon software program.
Ms Vennells stated she is “truly sorry for the devastation caused to the Sub-Postmasters and their families”.
She added that she is co-operating with the inquiry and “will not make any further public comment until it has concluded”.
On Wednesday, Mr Aujard advised the inquiry he was opposed to the way in which sub-postmasters had been being prosecuted in 2013.
His stated his private view was that “criminal prosecutions cause great stress and anxiety and didn’t have a place in a business such as the Post Office”.
When requested whether or not Ms Vennells appeared in favour of constant to pursue circumstances utilizing proof from Horizon, Mr Aujard stated she was not particular on the time.
Mr Aujard was the Post Office’s prime lawyer from 2013 to 2015, throughout which period the impartial forensic accountants Second Sight, who performed a key position in exposing the scandal, had been sacked.
When requested on the inquiry if the dismissal of Second Sight lacked equity and transparency, Mr Aujard stated: “That’s correct – certainly fairness.”
At the start of his session, Mr Aujard apologised to the wrongfully convicted sub-postmasters and their households for the “anguish and suffering” they’ve needed to endure, including the inquiry has come “far too late” for lots of the victims.
Earlier within the day, the inquiry additionally heard from Mr Aujard’s predecessor Susan Crichton, who stated she was “put into a position where I couldn’t do my job”.
She added that former Post Office attorneys Rob Wilson and Jarnail Singh had a “moderately unhealthy view” of sub-postmasters.
On Tuesday, the primary day of her testimony, Ms Crichton apologised to the sub-postmasters “for the struggling brought about to you and your households” and hoped that giving proof would imply “one thing like this by no means occurs once more”.
