Post Office conviction took Castlederg man to ‘very dark place’

IN the aftermath of the protracted Post Office Horizon scandal, Lee Williamson, a former sub-postmaster hailing from Castlederg, is finding a measure of relief as legislative developments promise exoneration for those unfairly convicted.

Mr Williamson has been appealing his conviction after a shortfall of £17,000 was identified in the Post Office branch he ran at Portstewart, Co Derry. Last week, the appeal was adjourned following a British Government announcement on legislative plans to exonerate all former sub-postmasters.

The Horizon Computer system debacle, spanning nearly 25 years, has led to the unjust convictions and of sub-postmasters across the UK.

Mr Williamson, who managed a Post Office in Portstewart from 2003 to 2012, recounts the impact of the flawed system on his life and reputation.

The sub-postmaster role, traditionally esteemed in the community, became marred as issues with the Horizon computer system surfaced.

Mr Williamson admitted feeling disappointed in himself, stating, “You feel stupid at not being able to work out what the problem is. Then the audit was completed, and they began proceedings. You feel that you’ve let your family down, and that you’ve sullied the reputation of yourself and your family. There was a great shame.”

Mr Williamson says the experience took him to a ‘very dark place’ and he was hospitalised for several weeks.

He highlighted the lack of documentation and disclosure, leaving sub-postmasters ‘defenceless’.

“We were just hung out to dry,” he added. “I didn’t have an answer for the Post Office in terms of the shortfalls. There was no explanation which I could provide. You felt that you couldn’t stand up to them and out your case across. It was just a very difficult situation.”

The ongoing furore over the Post Office scandal, sparked by an ITV drama on the matter, has finally exposed the issue fully.

“The burden of shame is lifting now with more public understanding about what has happened,” said Mr Williamson.

The legislative plans to exonerate former sub-postmasters bring hope for individuals like Mr Williamson seeking not only justice but also compensation for the enduring impact of a system that shattered lives and damaged reputations.

As he awaits potential exoneration, Mr Williamson acknowledges the outpouring of support from the Castlederg community and beyond.

“Since last Friday I’ve received so many messages of support from lifelong friends and friends of my parents. It hits hard at your emotions that people are there supporting you because you’re very hard on yourself over the years. I realise now that the support is out there now,” he said.