Anorexia, bankruptcy, suicide – how the Horizon IT system ruined lives

The public inquiry into the Post Office Horizon scandal has published its first report into what went wrong and how the victims should be properly compensated.

The inquiry's chair, Sir Wyn Williams, has found that at least 13 postmasters may have taken their own lives after being accused of wrongdoing based on evidence from the Horizon IT system which both the Post Office and its maker, Fujitsu, knew could be false.

In today's episode Niall Paterson speaks to our business correspondent Paul Kelso about just how damning these findings are and also to former postmistress Janet Skinner who was sent to prison after wrongly being accused of stealing £59,000.

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK.

Producer: Soila Apparicio
Editor: Wendy Parker

The Sky News Daily podcast with Niall Paterson brings a deeper look at the big stories - with Sky News correspondents and expert guests.

Every night at 5pm, Niall is joined by the correspondents we have around the UK and across the globe to take a breath and help you get your head around the topics of the day.

We're joined by guests too who can take you through the questions you have about the news.

Less breaking news, more understanding news.
The full story at 5pm.

Email Niall skynewsdaily@sky.uk

• No. of episodes: 1,000
• Latest episode: 2025-07-15
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