The Long and Winding Road to Redress: Victims of the Post Office’s ‘Capture’ System

The Challenges of Redress for Capture Victims

Victims of the Post Office’s faulty accounting system, known as "Capture," have expressed frustration over the delayed timeline for a redress scheme. Former sub-postmasters and their relatives recently met with government representatives to receive updates on the compensatory measures being developed. While lawyers involved in the case have acknowledged "positive steps" toward resolving the issue, many victims have voiced disappointment with the slow progress, likening the bureaucratic process to the "grinding wheels of bureaucracy." The Capture software, rolled out in Post Office branches between 1992 and 1999, was prone to errors that caused false shortfalls in accounts, leading to financial and reputational harm for many sub-postmasters. Around 100 victims are currently eligible for redress, but the scheme does not apply to those who remain convicted, further complicating the path to justice for some.

Lee Bowerman, a former sub-postmaster, summed up the sentiment of many when he described the meeting as a "damp squib." Although he acknowledged that the proposed redress scheme might be "quicker than Horizon," he criticized the government for comparing the two systems, stating, "you can’t use them as a yardstick because at the end of the day … people still haven’t been paid out." His words highlight the deep-seated frustration among victims who feel their suffering has not been adequately addressed. The Horizon system, which followed Capture and was operational from 1999 to 2015, led to hundreds of wrongful convictions for sub-postmasters accused of theft. The government’s handling of redress for Horizon has been criticized as slow and ineffective, casting a shadow of doubt over the promises made for Capture victims.

The History and Impact of the Capture System

The Capture system was an early accounting software used by the Post Office, predating the infamous Horizon system. Between 1992 and 1999, it was implemented in Post Office branches, but its flaws led to false shortfalls, leaving many sub-postmasters facing financial ruin and reputational damage. Some were even wrongly accused of theft, though not all were formally convicted. Lee Bowerman, who was not accused of stealing but still had to sell his Post Office business due to the system’s failures, is one such example. His experience underscores the far-reaching consequences of the faulty software, which disrupted lives and livelihoods long before the Horizon system came into use.

The Horizon scandal, which unfolded in the years following Capture, brought the issue of Post Office accounting systems into the national spotlight. Hundreds of sub-postmasters were wrongly convicted of theft due to Horizon’s glitches, and many spent years fighting to clear their names. While the government has since acknowledged the Horizon scandal and taken steps toward compensating its victims, the Capture system’s impact remains a festering wound for those affected. The delay in addressing Capture-related claims has left many feeling overlooked and undervalued.

Personal Stories of Struggle and Resilience

Among the many victims of the Capture system is Steve Marston, a sub-postmaster who was convicted of stealing nearly £80,000 from his branch in 1996. His case is now being reviewed by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), which has confirmed that it is examining 27 Capture-related convictions. Marston expressed a mix of disappointment and pragmatism about the slow progress of the redress scheme, saying, "I don’t think it would be human nature not to be disappointed that [the redress scheme] is not being sorted out in the next couple of days even." He likened the government’s bureaucratic process to excessive red tape, joking, "They’ve got to fill in a form in triplicate, get it rubber-stamped three times, and that’s for a box of paper clips." Despite his frustration, Marston remains hopeful, urging others to "stick in there and keep pushing as much as we can."

Clare Brennan, the daughter of Peter Lloyd-Holt, a sub-postmaster who was accused of stealing while using Capture, described a more positive experience after the government meeting. She and her mother, Agnes, found the meeting uplifting, with Clare saying a "weight being lifted" after officials acknowledged that her father had indeed worked for the Post Office. However, the family continues to face challenges, as all of Mr. Lloyd-Holt’s documents and evidence have been lost, complicating their case. Their story highlights the emotional toll of the Capture scandal, as well as the practical obstacles victims face in seeking justice.

Legal Battles and the Fight for Justice

The legal battles surrounding the Capture system are complex and ongoing. The CCRC’s review of 27 convictions is a critical step toward potentially overturning wrongful convictions, but the process is slow and laborious. For those whose convictions are overturned, the government is considering a separate "fast track" redress scheme, which could provide quicker compensation. However, for now, the scheme remains in development, leaving many victims in limbo.

Lawyers representing the victims have expressed cautious optimism about the progress being made. Neil Hudgell of Hudgell Solicitors said that his team was "reassured by the Department for Business and Trade" during the recent meeting, noting that "good progress is being made" on the redress scheme. He emphasized the government’s "clear willingness to do right by those who have suffered," but also acknowledged that the slow pace of redress continues to be a source of frustration for victims. Hudgell added, "We always appreciate that redress can never come quick enough for these victims, and we push as much as we can to take things forward."

Progress and Promises: The Government’s Role in Redress

While the delays in the redress scheme have been met with skepticism, government officials insist that they are committed to fairness and dignity for the affected sub-postmasters. A spokesperson for the Department for Business and Trade stated, "Officials met with postmasters today as part of the government’s commitment to develop an effective and fair redress process that takes into account the circumstances of those affected by Capture." The spokesperson emphasized that "ensuring postmasters are treated with dignity and respect is our absolute priority" and promised to provide further updates on the scheme’s development.

The next meeting with Capture victims is scheduled for April, offering a glimmer of hope for those awaiting resolution. However, the slow progress has left many wondering whether the government’s promises will translate into tangible results. As victims continue to navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy, their patience is wearing thin.

Recognition and Closure: Why It Matters

For the victims of the Capture system, redress is not just about financial compensation—it’s about acknowledgment of the harm they’ve endured. The recognition of their suffering, whether through formal apologies, overturning convictions, or fair compensation, is essential for healing and closure. As Clare Brennan described, the acknowledgment of her father’s role as a sub-postmaster was a small but meaningful step toward justice.

The Capture scandal serves as a reminder of the power imbalance between individuals and large institutions. The Post Office’s reliance on flawed technology and its failure to address errors caused immeasurable harm to those who trusted the system. The victims’ stories are a testament to resilience in the face of adversity, but they also highlight the need for accountability and transparency in how such cases are handled.

As the process drags on, the government must remain vigilant in its commitment to fairness and dignity for all affected sub-postmasters. Only then can the victims of the Capture system begin to rebuild their lives and move forward with a sense of justice and closure.