Subpostmasters still waiting to be exonerated after Post Office scandal

The ITV drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office aired exactly a year ago. In the months since, there has been widespread outrage over the Horizon IT scandal.

Whilst around a dozen subpostmasters from Northern Ireland have had their convictions quashed, up to 18 people have yet to be exonerated.

Three former subpostmasters from Co Tyrone have reflected on what the last 12 months have been like and why it is so important that everyone receives justice.

Maureen McKelvey was one of hundreds of victims to face prosecution. Found not guilty but left with a life sentence. 

She said: "I do believe it destroyed a lot of lives and mines was one of them. 

"I had a lot of mental problems I would say. All I wanted to do was to clear my name and they dragged it out on me which didn't help my mental situation. 

"I was very lucky. I had good family around me, but only for that I don't think I would ever have survived it."

The former subpostmistress in Omagh, was accused of stealing £30,000. 

She was thrust into the spotlight when her story was put before disgraced former Post Office boss, Paula Vennels. 

Maureen said: "I was glad that it was put forward to her and I wanted to hear what you had to say to me, but I didn't feel I got anything from her, to be honest. 

"She had no remorse, no thought or fuss at all in her speech. 

"I feel like something else needs to be done, you know, Paula Vennells should not walk away from this."  

12 sub-postmasters in Northern Ireland have had their convictions quashed. 

Up to 18 are still waiting to clear their names, and many more are awaiting compensation. 

Fiona Elliott was left bankrupt by the Horizon scandal. She said: " I got an offer just before Christmas. It was an insult. A complete insult to what my forensic accountants had recommended. 

"Now they totally ignored all evidence that was produced to them by the forensic accountant and by the medical experts. 

A year on from the drama, the inquiry is now over. 

Reflecting on the scandal, Deirdre Connolly, who had to pay a shortfall of £16,000 said: "It was a really hard time and we were made bankrupt and we weren't sure if we were getting to keep our house. 

"Today, now, I think I'm on the other side of it that I'm angry and I want people to answer for it."

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