Survivors of the scandal related to the British Post Office have criticised the past manager of the company, Paula Vennells, asserting that her apology was purely a public relations ploy. Mrs. Vennells commenced her submission to the Horizon IT probe in the heart of London, expressing regret to the sub-postmasters and their loved ones. Notably, she became tearful on two occasions while responding to the inquiry.
During a recess in the proceedings, Mark Kelly, a sub-postmaster in Swansea from 2003 to 2006, cast doubt on the genuineness of Mrs. Vennells’ apology. “The expression of regret, in my opinion, was rehearsed to perfection, both in her prepared speech and the responses given to inquiries,” the 45-year-old informed the PA news agency. He inferred that her apology seemed like a PR gesture given that she could have done so years ago.
Janet Skinner, on the other hand, revealed her empathy for the previous chief executive who had to defend her actions in front of a room filled with individuals glaring at her resentfully. Skinner, a former sub-postmistress, was handed a nine-month jail sentence in 2007 for fabricated accounting. Having to part from her two kids, she was only 35 when she received her sentence.
Many sub-postmasters vividly recollected the anguish they experienced during the scandal, with Lee Castleton firmly stating that Mrs. Vennells would “never” shed as many tears as he has shed.
Mr Castleton, a resident of Bridlington, East Yorkshire, discovered a deficit of £25,000 in his department in 2004. Losing his lawsuit with the Post Office led to his bankruptcy.
Discussing Ms Vennells’ testimony, he stated, “She has a great chance to present her version of the truth. It’s a significant platform for her. I find the documents remarkable. It gives us valuable insight to see what was being recorded back then. What she recalls serves as a backdrop for me, her spoken testimony doesn’t carry much weight.”
About Ms Vennells crying, he continued: “She’ll never shed as many tears as I have, nor my family, or the other victims or the broader group.”
Jess Kaur (52) remarked, “When she started to cry, I recalled how we cried back then. Seeing her tear up was satisfying, but she needs to be held accountable. She should be honest.”
Ms Kaur, a former subpostmistress in Walsall, was falsely accused of pocketing £11,000 in 2009.
Ms Vennells’ testimony is ongoing. – PA