Local victims of Post Office scandal demand compensation

Three former sub-postmasters from West Tyrone are pressing for immediate compensation following the significant losses they endured due to the Post Office Horizon computer system debacle.

The scandal has had profound impacts on the lives and livelihoods of Maureen McKelvey, who previously managed the Clanabogan Post Office, Fiona Elliot of Clady, and Deirdre Connolly, who was based in Killeter.

A new ITV drama entitled ‘Mr Bates vs the Post Office’ has portrayed the crisis caused by the failed system which was first introduced more than two decades ago.

British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, yesterday (Wednesday) announced a new law to ‘swiftly exonerate and compensate’ those affected by the scandal.

Also this week, the head of the Post Office, Paula Vennells, was forced to hand back a CBE honour which she had received.

Speaking to the Strabane Chronicle, Maureen McKelvey, said she ‘hasn’t slept’ since the broadcasting of the powerful TV depiction of the scandal.

“Some of us have been marked out as thieves and there are people who still believe that, even within our local communities. But we’re innocent and it’s time to clear our names.

“This nightmare has just gone on and on for so many people. It left my health in a very bad state and even now I’m concerned about the long-term impact that all of this could still have on me.

“I just want us all to get the compensation we deserve, and hope that anyone affected who hasn’t told their story will still come forward and reveal what they went through.”

Mrs McKelvey was cleared at a week-long trial in Dungannon Crown Court almost 20 years ago.

Her story and those of Deirdre Connolly and Fiona Elliot are among hundreds of witness statements which have been heard at a public inquiry into the failings of the Post Office and the Horizon system.

Fiona Elliot said the programme – which she watched for the first time this week – had made her ‘sick’ as it brought back so many traumatic memories.

“It’s great that this drama has been broadcast, but it has brought back a lot of memories from over the years. Hopefully those responsible will be brought to justice.

“I’m still very angry about what happened and the hurt that was caused to us.

“The TV programme has made everyone realise just how bad things were, particularly in terms of how we were treated.”

Deirdre Connolly, a subpostmistress in Killeter, was forced to pay a £15,000 discrepency which she did not owe.

She says the impact of the experience is still affecting her health today.

“I lost everything, and the stigma of it all was just awful,” she said.

“I had to go through a number of meetings with the Post Office, but they deployed bully-boy tactics. What we went through was just horrendous for my family.

“The drama has brought it all back, but there is some small comfort in that fact that I wasn’t alone.

“We need all the convictions to be overturned in one fell swoop. They way people are still being treated is just disgusting, as they are having to jump through hoops to get the compensation they deserve.

“My health will never be back to where it was. It just will never be the same.”