Former Post Office managing director Alan Cook’s recent testimony at the Post Office Horizon IT inquiry has shed light on his assumptions regarding the prosecution process within the organization. Cook admitted that he had assumed the police and DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions) were involved in prosecutions, and he expressed regret for not realizing sooner that the Post Office itself could initiate prosecutions.
During his testimony, Cook mentioned that he had not encountered an organization that could make the decision to prosecute on its own. He stated, “I had assumed that the police/DPP had been involved. I shouldn’t have presumed, but I did presume, sadly.” Cook also acknowledged that the phrasing used in documents did not overtly indicate that the Post Office was carrying out prosecutions.
Chair Wyn Williams interjected during Cook’s testimony, highlighting the lack of communication within the company regarding the prosecution process. Cook confirmed that when he became the managing director, no one within the company informed him that the Post Office could initiate and conduct prosecutions.
Cook’s testimony has raised questions about the transparency and communication within the Post Office regarding legal matters. The inquiry also delved into the financial aspects of prosecutions, with Cook revealing that significant sums were spent on legal cases without his direct approval.
The ongoing Post Office Horizon IT inquiry aims to uncover the truth behind the Horizon IT system and the handling of prosecutions within the organization. The testimony from former executives like Alan Cook provides valuable insights into the internal workings of the Post Office and the challenges they faced in managing legal proceedings.