The Real Story of Mr Bates vs The Post Office, airing on PBS as a companion to the drama series of the same name, looks into the shocking true events that inspired the acclaimed drama series. This documentary uncovers one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in British history, exposing the devastating impact of false accusations on hundreds of subpostmasters.
When money started to disappear from local Post Office branches, the government-owned organization wrongly blamed its own managers and subpostmasters for the losses. The faulty Horizon IT system, introduced in 1999, exhibited cash shortfalls that were attributed to theft, fraud, and false accounting by the subpostmasters.
The documentary explores the stories of ordinary people who found themselves relentlessly pursued and coerced by a powerful corporation. Lives, marriages, and reputations were left in ruins as many were harassed, accused, and even sent to prison. The Post Office denied the issues with its computer system for years, leading to a seemingly insurmountable battle for justice.
The scandal resulted in a wave of public outrage and sparked demands for accountability. The Real Story of Mr Bates vs The Post Office provides a deeper understanding of the events that inspired the dramatic series, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of those impacted and the broader implications of this injustice.
The Real Story of Mr Bates vs The Post Office airs on PBS at 11.00 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
