Lee Castleton, a former subpostmaster and prominent figure in the Horizon IT scandal, has initiated legal proceedings against the Post Office and Fujitsu. Castleton, who was portrayed by actor Will Mellor in the ITV drama “Alan Bates vs The Post Office,” faced bankruptcy following a two-year legal battle with the Post Office. His is one of the most recognizable cases in the Horizon IT scandal, described as the most extensive miscarriage of justice in UK history. Castleton had purchased a post office in Bridlington, East Yorkshire, in 2003, but his computer system soon showed a £25,000 shortfall, which he attributed to the faulty Horizon IT system supplied by Fujitsu. Despite his repeated reports to the Post Office’s helpline, he was taken to court, where he, unable to afford legal representation, was ordered to repay the money and cover costs of £321,000, leading to his bankruptcy. Castleton is now seeking compensation, alleging fraud in the civil judgment against him as part of his legal action. His case underscores the broader issue of the Horizon IT scandal, where other victims have had their convictions overturned, but Castleton’s civil judgment remains. His legal action aims to overturn the judgment. The legal proceedings may set a precedent for how other victims of the Horizon IT system might seek legal recourse.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/mar/19/ex-subpostmaster-lee-castleton-horizon-it-victim-first-legal-action-post-office-fujitsu