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Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells Breaks Down in Tears, Apologizes for Wrongful Convictions at Horizon IT Inquiry

May 22, 2024, 08:57 AM

Former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells has begun giving evidence at the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry, addressing the wrongful convictions of hundreds of sub-postmasters. Vennells, who led the Post Office from 2012 to 2019, faces three days of questioning. She apologized for the suffering caused, stating, 'I am very, very sorry.' Vennells admitted that she was 'too trusting' and expressed her intent to answer all questions truthfully. During her testimony, she denied any conspiracy at the Post Office but acknowledged that her answers might be difficult to listen to. The inquiry, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams and led by counsel Jason Beer KC, is investigating whether Vennells misled MPs and covered up information about the Horizon IT system's flaws, which led to the wrongful prosecutions. Vennells' witness statement is 775 pages long. She broke down in tears as she recounted the impact on victims, including a father of two who took his own life after being pursued for alleged shortfalls. Text messages between Vennells and former Royal Mail CEO Moya Greene were also presented.