Horizon Inquiry appoints Duncan Atkinson QC as prosecutions Expert Witness
Sir Wyn Williams has appointed an Expert Witness to independently review and analyse evidence the Inquiry has received in relation to matters concerning the conduct of criminal prosecutions brought by Post Office Limited.
Following the Inquiry’s established processes, the Chair has appointed Mr Duncan Atkinson QC, a former Senior Treasury Counsel. He will be instructed to analyse certain prosecution files that are identified by the Chair.
Mr Atkinson QC’s report will be provided to the Chair and Core Participants ahead of Phase 4 hearings, and he will give oral evidence to the Inquiry.
A full list of the phases of the Inquiry is set out here.
Ends.
Notes to editors:
-
An expert witness is often appointed by a public inquiry to give an opinion on matters which call for expert skill and knowledge. Their role is to provide technical analysis and expertise, which will assist the Inquiry in delivering its Terms of Reference.
-
The Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry is an independent public inquiry examining failings surrounding the Post Office’s Horizon IT system which led to the suspension and termination of contracts, and the wrongful prosecution and conviction of subpostmasters and subpostmistresses. Read the List of Issues the Inquiry is examining here.
-
The Chair will publish a report, setting out his findings and recommendations, on conclusion of the Inquiry.
