Alice Perkins, Ex-Chair Of The Post Office Is Giving Evidence To The Inquiry Into Po Scandal

[Gromit]

Yet again another Post Office high-up can't remember anything. All the questions she has been asked have been answered with 'I don't know', 'I can't remember' or 'I don't know'.  
The more I see of this, the more it confirms they knew the software was not working, and instead of sorting out the problem, they instead instigated a cover up.  
Everything revealed so far, it is inconceivable they could not have known.

It is fascinating viewing. Have a look today if you have any time.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/uk-69091679

[Peter Pedant]

me inna pal are limiting ourselves to only (as little as ) three hours a day. All over You tube

Alice P was a civil servant, and nosed her way into th e Cabinet Office ( = mandarin, Sir Humpy level) and then landed in POL.

So a mandarin is being cross examined over her actions

better than call of duty

[tomus42]

//The more I see of this, the more it confirms they knew the software was not working,//

I've worked on large software projects like this.

Trust me, it becomes very obvious very soon when you have bugs such as this one. It is inconceivable that they didn't know the software was faulty.

[Peter Pedant]

some mandarins and other high ups are not computer literate and can be take n in by - a bug being intermittent (obvious to you and me) was not a real bug.

there is an appalling amount of I dont know / I dont recollect and I must hvae done something butgod knows what itwaas

[Hymie]

Worse still, the Post Office’s most senior in-house lawyer, when they fought the case brought by Alan Bates (and others), is refusing to appear before the inquiry.

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czdd33qd1j0o

[youngmafbog]

Couldnt agree more Gromit.

Jail time and seizure of assets that can eb handed to the wronged shold happen next.  But I bet they all get away scot free.  Unless of course a relative dying of cancer or similar sorts it.

[bookbinder]

Surely somebody could find some solid evidence that the high-ups knew what was wrong, something in writing with a signature on it, rather that having to listen to somebody say "I don't know".

[andy-hughes]

The fact that this Enquiry is taking place at all, and the routine immoral dissembling from the major protagonists, brings to mind Doctor Johnson's comment on women preachers, and he would probably say today - 

"In terms of the Post Office Enquiry, and the efforts of the powers-that-be's risible attempts to justify their behaviour, it brings to mind a dog walking on its hind legs.

It is not merely that it is done badly, rather that one is surprised to see it done at all."

[wolf63]

It is surprising how many dishonest people were managing the post office during the period of the Horizon conspiracy.

I would hope that, in a similar situation, I would at least own up to my guilt. 

These people kept prosecuting postmasters knowing that they could be innocent.  They have ruined many lives and no punishment will ever undo the harm they have caused.

 

[jourdain2]

It seems to indicate to me that the 'top dogs' had no real clue as to what was going on and were simply acting on info. given by the next tier down.

In other words, it was probably the 'old pals' shuffle-round.  As PP says, they won't be computer literate.  They were taking a lot of money for simply turning up to meetings, being advised and rubber-stamping.  They wouldn't know enough to understand  or challenge the people who were giving them the real facts.

It's pathetic and corrupt i.m.o..  Not sure which is worst.... :(

[Peter Pedant]

Warwick Tatford did that " I hold up my hands and say I should have done better" - no one else had

( prosecuting barrister in some convictions)

currently listening to todays yv stream, Alice Perkins makes a depressing drab spectacle. 

[Peter Pedant]

It is surprising how many dishonest people were managing the post office during the period of the Horizon conspiracy.

it was either stabber Steen or Horrible Henry ( two KCs for the postmaster and raking it  in) who adked Vennells - are you the unluckiest Chief exec in history?

( vacuous answer)

[Peter Pedant]

or Monroe the Mauler

[tomus42]

Has a criminal offence been committed by any of these scumbags though?

Probably not. Being shamed into tears on television might be the only punishment they'll ever face.

[davebro3]

I think it highlights the fact that many executives elevated to senior roles in big organisations are simply incompetent.

I hope there will be prosecutions followed by (at least) financial penalties but I'm not holding my breath.