A CAMBUS former postmaster wrongly convicted for theft, fraud and false accounting during the Post Office Horizon scandal is to receive £600,000 in compensation.

Robert Thomson was one of around 700 branch managers across the UK to be wrongfully convicted for the charges between 2000 and 2014.

In recent years, it was revealed that the fault lay on the Post Office software Horizon, which was deemed not to be robust and had caused errors that led to hundreds losing their jobs.

Often described as “the most widespread miscarriage of justice in UK history”, the scandal also led to many of the sub-postmasters being given criminal records.

However, the UK Government announced last Monday, September 18, that Post Office employees who were wrongfully convicted in the Horizon scandal will receive compensation payments of £600,000 each.

This payment is in part to cover extensive legal fees incurred by former postmasters who have been fighting to overturn their convictions in court.

In August, Keith Brown, MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, pledged support to help Robert fight his conviction.

The MSP commented on the UK Government’s decision, welcoming the payments and hailing it as a step in the right direction towards justice.

He said: “I’ve been vocal in support of those wrongly convicted in the Post Office Horizon scandal – particularly those in my constituency and across Scotland, who in some cases are still awaiting their wrongful convictions to be overturned.

“These wrongful convictions have had a massive impact on people’s lives.

“Living with a criminal record dramatically limits a person’s prospects and, in some cases, incorrect prison sentences have already been served.

"Some of those wrongly convicted have sadly not lived long enough to see their convictions overturned.

“It is only right that the UK Government takes responsibility for the Post Office Horizon scandal, and this offer of compensation is a start in doing this.”

Victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal suffered a massive miscarriage of justice throughout the 2000s and into the 2010s.

Several served lengthy prison sentences, with the scandal linked, in some cases, to as many as four suicides.

In England, the appeals process has largely concluded – with any sub-postmasters affected having their convictions repealed.

However, in Scotland, many of those affected are yet to have their convictions overturned.

Robert is one of six former postmasters fighting against his conviction in the Scottish appeal courts.

Discussing his case, he said: “We need as much publicity as possible about this scandal.

“We have already lost one person and have all been through enough grief and embarrassment.

“We need justice and I’m glad Keith Brown MSP has taken up this cause for us.”