Post Office Offers Disabled Horizon Victim Just 15% of Compensation Claim

Disabled Post Office Horizon Victim Offered 15% of Compensation Claim Janet Skinner, a victim of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, has been offered 15% of her compensation claim, leaving her reeling from the latest development in a long and traumatic ordeal. The offer is a fraction of what she had claimed, sparking outrage among advocates for justice. Skinner was wrongly convicted of false accounting in 2007 and served nine months in prison after the faulty software said £59,000 had gone missing from her branch account in Hull. Her lawyer, Simon Goldberg, claims that the government's approach to her case has been "particularly cruel." "I cried and I cried - it's trauma on top of trauma," Skinner told the BBC in an emotional interview. The mother-of-two lost her home, livelihood, and served two months in prison before being released. A year after her release, she was back in court facing another jail sentence as the Post Office pursued her for failing to pay a debt. The government has maintained that it makes every effort to provide full and fair compensation to all claimants. However, Goldberg argues that this is not the case, particularly when it comes to high-value claims. "They've taken a particularly cruel approach to Janet's case," he said. The Post Office Horizon IT scandal has been a long-standing issue, with thousands of small business owners being wrongly accused and convicted due to faulty software. The scandal has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. In 2020, the government announced plans to provide compensation to victims of the scandal, but many have expressed frustration at the slow pace of the process. Skinner's case is just one example of the difficulties faced by those seeking justice. The implications of this case go beyond Skinner's individual situation. It highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI-powered systems, particularly in high-stakes industries like finance. As the investigation into the Post Office Horizon scandal continues, advocates are calling for greater action to be taken against those responsible. "This is not just about compensation - it's about justice," said Goldberg. The current status of Skinner's case remains uncertain, with her lawyer indicating that they will continue to fight for a more substantial offer. The government has maintained its commitment to providing fair and full compensation to all claimants, but many are left wondering if this promise will be fulfilled. Background: The Post Office Horizon IT scandal involved the use of faulty software to accuse thousands of small business owners of false accounting. Skinner was wrongly convicted in 2007 and served nine months in prison before being released. In 2020, the government announced plans to provide compensation to victims of the scandal. Additional Perspectives: The case highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the use of AI-powered systems. Advocates are calling for greater action to be taken against those responsible for the scandal. The slow pace of the compensation process has sparked widespread frustration among victims. Next Developments: Skinner's lawyer will continue to fight for a more substantial offer from the government. The investigation into the Post Office Horizon scandal continues, with advocates calling for greater action to be taken against those responsible. *Reporting by Bbc.*