Post Office Scandal Delays: Criminal Trials Unlikely Before 2028, Police Reveal

Date: June 29, 2025 | Source : BBC News & Independent Legal Analysts

Criminal trials related to the notorious UK Post Office Horizon scandal are not expected to begin before 2028, according to a statement from police authorities. Law enforcement officials said they will not hand over case files to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) until the final report of the public inquiry is published, further delaying long-awaited legal proceedings for hundreds of affected individuals.

This development adds to the growing frustration among wrongly convicted subpostmasters, many of whom have been waiting for over two decades for justice. The scandal, which centers around faulty IT accounting software known as Horizon, has been described as the most widespread miscarriage of justice in modern British legal history.

Background: What Is the Horizon Scandal?

Between 1999 and 2015, over 700 subpostmasters across the UK were prosecuted for financial shortfalls that were later discovered to have resulted from flaws in the Horizon computer system, developed by Fujitsu and used by the Post Office. Many of the accused were imprisoned, lost their businesses, or faced public shame despite being innocent.

The issue came to national attention following investigations by journalists and legal activists. The BBC’s dramatization “Mr Bates vs The Post Office” sparked public outrage and reignited political momentum for redress and accountability.

Police Investigation Status

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confirmed in a statement to Parliament that the inquiry must be concluded before case files are submitted to prosecutors. “It would be premature to present incomplete evidence. We must ensure the full truth is captured by the inquiry first,” he said.

Investigations are currently focused on potential offenses such as perjury, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice, and misconduct in public office. According to the Commissioner, the evidence being reviewed involves “tens of thousands” of documents, including emails, reports, and transcripts from Post Office leadership and legal teams.

Public Inquiry Timeline

The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, chaired by retired judge Sir Wyn Williams, is expected to conclude its final hearings in early 2026, with the final report scheduled for publication in mid-2027.

So far, the inquiry has revealed damning internal communications within the Post Office that suggest management was aware of the software problems yet proceeded with legal actions against employees. These revelations have amplified calls for full criminal accountability.

Victims Demand Faster Action

Victims and campaigners have expressed deep frustration at the extended timeline. “We are still living in limbo,” said Alan Bates, a former subpostmaster and lead campaigner. “People have died waiting for justice. This delay is unacceptable.”

As of June 2025, only 93 convictions have been officially overturned. More than 200 former employees are still pursuing legal exoneration and compensation.

The UK government recently launched a compensation scheme worth over £1 billion, but many victims report delays and administrative complications in accessing funds. Read more on the official government update on Post Office compensation.

Political Fallout

The scandal has shaken public confidence in both the Post Office and broader legal institutions. Members of Parliament from across the political spectrum have called for criminal charges against former executives, including former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells, who resigned from other public roles amid backlash.

“There must be consequences for those who presided over this injustice,” said MP Caroline Lucas during a House of Commons debate. “The delay in prosecutions only adds insult to injury.”

Internal link: For ongoing coverage of UK legal reform, visit our section on Justice and Accountability in the UK.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Legal experts warn that even once trials begin, the process could stretch well into the 2030s. “You’re looking at years of legal preparation, witness coordination, and procedural hurdles,” said Professor Lisa Hargrave from the University of Oxford Law School.

There are also debates around whether corporate prosecutions or individual accountability will be prioritized. Some former executives may face personal charges, while others could only be investigated at the organizational level.

Impact on British Institutions

The Post Office scandal has prompted wider examination of institutional governance, oversight, and transparency in the UK. The role of government ministers, legal advisors, and corporate contractors like Fujitsu has come under fire.

A parliamentary select committee has been tasked with reviewing regulatory mechanisms to ensure future IT systems cannot be deployed without appropriate fail-safes and independent audits.

Learn more about digital accountability in public service via this National Audit Office report on digital transformation in government.

Conclusion

With trials now postponed until at least 2028, the UK faces continued pressure to restore public trust in its justice system. For the hundreds of subpostmasters still waiting for exoneration and closure, each passing year feels like an eternity.

The final inquiry report will likely be a turning point—but the wheels of justice are turning painfully slow. As victims, families, and advocates wait, the Post Office scandal remains a painful reminder of institutional failure and delayed accountability.

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By News24