Paula Vennells faces questioning in Horizon IT scandal inquiry

Paula Vennells became the chief executive of the Post Office in 2012. During her time, many innocent subpostmasters were unfairly prosecuted due to issues with the Horizon system. This caused great suffering for those wrongly accused. Vennells was involved in efforts to defend the Post Office and cover up the scandal, making it hard to uncover the truth. Vennells was questioned about her awareness of the Horizon system's flaws and her decision to continue prosecuting subpostmasters despite evidence suggesting otherwise. Her actions led to resignations and internal conflicts within the Post Office. She served as the chief executive from 2012 to 2019, overseeing a period when many subpostmasters faced wrongful prosecutions. Vennells' background as an ordained priest and her previous roles were highlighted. She earned a significant amount during her time at the Post Office, receiving awards and recognition for her services. However, as the scandal unfolded, she faced criticism and eventually returned her CBE in response to public pressure. The inquiry into the Post Office scandal received additional documents from Vennells, shedding more light on the events that transpired. Former colleagues also faced questioning regarding their knowledge of the scandal. The Post Office was criticized for its handling of the situation, with calls for apologies and compensation for those affected. The Horizon system's faults led to hundreds of subpostmasters being wrongly prosecuted. Despite efforts to address the issue, many are still awaiting compensation. The Post Office's defensive stance and reliance on faulty software caused a delay in justice and wasted public money.