In a shocking revelation, a Fujitsu executive testified before a public inquiry, acknowledging that software bugs in their system were known right from the beginning and contributed to the wrongful convictions of innocent postal employees in the UK. Paul Patterson, co-CEO of Fujitsu's European division, admitted that the company was aware of bugs, errors, and defects in the Horizon software system, which was deployed by Fujitsu subsidiary International Computers Limited in post offices from 1999 to 2015.

The faulty accounting software falsely indicated money discrepancies in the branches of sub-postmasters and postmistresses, leading to accusations of theft or fraud against more than 900 individuals. As a result, some innocent people were sent to prison, while others were forced to make payments to the UK Post Office to cover the supposed shortfalls. However, it was reported that only 93 convictions have been overturned so far, leaving thousands still awaiting compensation settlements.

During the prosecutions, crucial information about 29 bugs in the system identified as early as 1999 was deliberately withheld from the courts. Remarkably, witness statements from Fujitsu staff were even edited by the Post Office to maintain the false notion that the system was functioning properly. Patterson expressed surprise at the omission of this crucial detail and acknowledged evidence of witness statement editing by others, deeming the situation "shameful and appalling." He further highlighted that all evidence should have been presented to the accused sub-postmasters as part of due legal process.

The public inquiry also revealed that the Post Office obtained 700 of the 900 convictions using its prosecution powers as a private corporation. The remaining convictions were secured through cases brought by Scottish prosecutors. Consequently, this scandal may prompt reforms in the private prosecution system that enables organizations to take individuals to court.

In a separate session, Patterson appeared before UK Parliament members and offered a profound apology on behalf of Fujitsu for its involvement in this miscarriage of justice. He admitted to the existence of bugs and errors in the system and the company's collaboration with the Post Office in prosecuting the wrongfully accused sub-postmasters. Patterson further acknowledged Fujitsu's moral obligation to contribute to the compensation for victims.

The revelation of the long-standing awareness of software bugs by Fujitsu and the deliberate suppression of crucial information has intensified calls for accountability. Post Office Minister Kevin Hollinrake echoed the public's demand for individuals to be held responsible, emphasizing the devastating impact on the lives of those affected, including marriages disintegrating and suicides occurring. The UK government is planning to introduce new legislation to swiftly exonerate and compensate falsely convicted individuals.