Post Office: Former Sussex postmaster recounts devastating impact of Horizon scandal - 'It was absolute torture'

By Sam Morton
Published 10th Jan 2024, 11:53 BST
Updated 10th Jan 2024, 14:47 BST
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A former Sussex sub-postmaster, wrongfully convicted of stealing £50,000 from the Post Office, has revealed he was shunned by neighbours – some of whom told his wife to end their marriage because ‘he’s a crook’.

Sami Sabet owned three post offices in Shoreham-by-Sea and Brighton. He was among hundreds of people across the country who were convicted because of the company’s defective Horizon accounting system.

The case – considered to be one of the biggest ever miscarriages of justice – has made national headlines this month after the Mr Bates vs The Post Office ITV drama.

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A bug in the computer system led to financial shortfalls in branch accounts. After being taken to court, Mr Sabet felt he had no choice but to plead guilty to lessen the sentence.

Sami Sabet, who owned three post offices in Shoreham-by-Sea and Brighton, was among hundreds of people across the country who were convicted because of the company’s defective Horizon accounting system. Photo contributedSami Sabet, who owned three post offices in Shoreham-by-Sea and Brighton, was among hundreds of people across the country who were convicted because of the company’s defective Horizon accounting system. Photo contributed
Sami Sabet, who owned three post offices in Shoreham-by-Sea and Brighton, was among hundreds of people across the country who were convicted because of the company’s defective Horizon accounting system. Photo contributed

He received a 12-month suspended prison sentence in 2009 after admitting two charges of fraud. The conviction was eventually overturned at the Court of Appeal in 2021.

Mr Sabet said: “I didn't go to prison but I might as well have done.

"The years went by and, after I didn't seek any medical help, I developed diabetes, had a major heart attack. I needed major heart surgery.

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“Not to mention the stigma of it all – people not talking to you, ostracizing you. I became a criminal. I absolutely was [shunned by the community].

Mr Sabet revealed people approached his wife said 'leave him, he's a crook. He's going to ruin you'. Photo contributedMr Sabet revealed people approached his wife said 'leave him, he's a crook. He's going to ruin you'. Photo contributed
Mr Sabet revealed people approached his wife said 'leave him, he's a crook. He's going to ruin you'. Photo contributed

"One person came up to my wife and said 'leave him, he's a crook. He's going to ruin you'.

“Fortunately she stood by me. She was very good and helped and supported me but we were absolutely distraught.

"I was trying desperately to live a normal life.”