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Fujitsu executive Paul Patterson revealed in a public inquiry that software bugs contributing to the wrongful conviction of UK postal workers were known "right from the very start of deployment."
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The Horizon software, installed by Fujitsu subsidiary International Computers Limited in 1999, contained bugs and errors that led to the prosecution and conviction of over 900 sub-postmasters and postmistresses until 2015.
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Innocent individuals went to prison, and others were compelled to make payments to the UK Post Office based on false accounting software claims.
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Only 93 convictions have been overturned so far, with thousands still awaiting compensation settlements.
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Post Office lawyers edited Fujitsu witness statements during prosecutions, hiding 29 bugs identified as early as 1999 to maintain the appearance that the system was working well.
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Paul Patterson acknowledged the failure of both organizations and described the situation as "shameful and appalling," expressing surprise at the details not being included in witness statements.
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The public inquiry revealed that the Post Office obtained 700 of the 900 convictions using prosecution powers available to private corporations in the UK, potentially leading to reforms in the private prosecution system.
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Patterson apologized for Fujitsu's role in the miscarriage of justice during testimony in the UK Parliament and acknowledged a moral obligation to contribute to compensation for victims.
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Post Office Minister Kevin Hollinrake prioritized compensation and answers for victims, recognizing the severe impact on people's lives, including failed marriages and suicides.