Sandip Patel QC FCIArb, Managing Partner of Aliant Law represented a small group of individuals affected by the Post Office Scandal, including those acquitted at the Southwark Crown Court, Court of Appeal, and also under the Historic Shortfall Scheme during the greatest miscarriage of justice Britain has ever seen. The wrongful prosecution of his clients resulted in prison sentences and some severe financial hardship. In an exclusive Q&A with Asian Voice, Sandip Patel QC spoke to us about the case and its learnings.
How did you come to an understanding that the post office was indeed at fault and what were your hopes back then about the end result of the cases?
Both the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) and Court of Appeal relied heavily on the decision of Mr Justice Fraser in the Bates litigation – the civil case brought by sub-postmasters against the Post Office. Through the decisions in the Bates cases and documents disclosed by the Post Office during the criminal appeals, the problems with the prosecutions brought by the Post Office became clear. Our principal aim in all cases was to clear our clients’ names, which we successfully did.
As an expert, what do you think is the collateral damage that the victims of the scandal in our community had to suffer from, besides of course the monetary loss?
The loss of reputation in tight-knit communities has been particularly devastating for many of those who were wrongly prosecuted by the Post Office.
What learnings can employers and employees take away from this entire scandal?
This case underlines the importance of not just relying on computers to get things right every time, and when scores of individuals are protesting their innocence, to ensure that a thorough and fair investigation is carried out before taking draconian steps against employees.
How many readings, hearings and hours did it take for you to fight cases for sub-postmasters in our community?
These cases were very time consuming to prepare, as thousands of documents were required to be considered as part of the criminal appeals.
What according to you is the apt compensation (if there is one) for the victims who were wrongly accused?
The reality is that monetary compensation can never truly compensate those affected by the Post Office scandal. The most important thing for many is that their names have finally been cleared and they are able to get on with their lives after all these years.
