Post Office Scandal Investigator Refutes Accusations of 'Mafia' Conduct

Former Post Office investigator Stephen Bradshaw refuted allegations that he and his team treated sub-postmasters accused of theft like "mafia gangsters."

Testifying at the Post Office inquiry, Bradshaw denied any intimidation or deception during his involvement in the criminal investigation of nine sub-postmasters.

The scandal saw hundreds unjustly prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 due to errors by the Horizon computer system, leading to 900 convictions, of which 93 have been overturned. The UK government has committed to introducing legislation to quickly clear and compensate those affected.

Bradshaw, part of the investigating unit since 2000, faced scrutiny on Thursday, specifically around claims made by Shazia Saddiq, a former sub-postmistress, and Jacqueline McDonald, who was wrongly imprisoned in 2011.

Saddiq recounted harassing calls and public assault on herself and her children, while McDonald alleged bullying during her investigation.

Bradshaw disputed these allegations, asserting that he identified himself in calls and did not engage in bullying or aggressive behavior.

During the inquiry, counsel Julian Blake likened Bradshaw's language to that from a 1970s detective show. Bradshaw, now a Post Office security manager, rejected that personal ambition influenced his actions and stated he trusted the Horizon system's integrity in 2012, though admitted his lack of technical expertise and reliance on lawyers' statements regretting not clarifying the words weren't his.

The inquiry continued after a Christmas break and follows increased interest due to an ITV drama. It launched in February 2021, investigating the Horizon system's failings, supplied by Fujitsu in 1999 for accounting and stocktaking, and marking the Post Office's longstanding role in fraud investigation.

Evidence suggests defendants were unaware of Horizon's defects, violating their right to a fair trial.

Post Office and Fujitsu CEOs will face MP questioning next week in a Business and Trade Committee session.