Sir Alan Bates has expressed his frustration at the lack of accountability for those responsible for the Horizon scandal, despite settling his claim for a substantial sum. He referred to the redress schemes for victims as “quasi-kangaroo courts,” highlighting the ordeal faced by approximately 1,000 individuals wrongly prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to the Horizon system, resulting in significant mental distress.
Speaking to the Mirror, Sir Alan emphasized the need for those accountable to face criminal convictions. He acknowledged the ongoing inquiries by the Metropolitan Police involving numerous officers across the country, various government departments, and Post Office personnel. Stressing the complexity of the investigation, he mentioned the significant amount of evidence that needs thorough analysis before further police actions.
While Sir Alan has received his final settlement, he expressed doubts about timely justice, noting that “all the baddies seem to be hiding.” The momentum for justice gained traction following the broadcast of the ITV drama “Mr Bates Vs The Post Office.” Despite initially rejecting two counter-offers, Sir Alan eventually settled his claim after a firm final offer from the Department of Business and Trade (DBT).
The settlement amount, reported to be in the range of £4m-£5m, remains undisclosed. Sir Alan advised other subpostmasters yet to settle to heed legal advice and persist in challenging the process. He shared his plans to relocate to Wales and document his experiences in his memoirs following the settlement.
In a statement, DBT commended Sir Alan for his advocacy on behalf of victims and disclosed that over £1.2 billion has been paid to more than 9,000 victims, confirming the resolution of Sir Alan’s claim within the scheme process.
