Postmaster Jailed for Murder Seeks Appeal Amid Horizon Scandal Backlash

The Horizon scandal, which led to the wrongful convictions of 900 subpostmasters, has taken an unexpected turn as victims of the scandal support the appeal of a postmaster who was jailed for murdering his wife in 2010. Robin Garbutt, 59, had debts of £30,000 on six credit cards and was accused of stealing money from his Post Office branch to fund an extravagant lifestyle, but his legal team now claims the Horizon scandal casts doubt on the motive used to convict him. The appeal has been backed by three Horizon victims, who feel strongly about being part of the campaign. Garbutt's lawyers argue that the lack of evidence and inconsistencies in the original case, including a 73-second time window between the safe opening and the 999 call, raise serious doubts about his guilt.

Key Takeaways:

• Robin Garbutt, 59, is appealing his murder conviction after being supported by three victims of the Horizon scandal.
• Garbutt was found guilty of bludgeoning his wife Diana, 40, to death with a metal bar in 2010, but his team claims the Horizon scandal casts doubt on the motive used to convict him.
• Garbutt's legal team cites several inconsistencies in the original case, including a 73-second time window between the safe opening and the 999 call, which they argue raises serious doubts about his guilt.
• A dossier of new evidence highlighting the inconsistencies in the case has been compiled, including the fact that Garbutt served 78 customers between 4.30am and 8.30am, leaving no time for him to commit the crime as described.
• The CCRC has confirmed an application for an appeal has been received and a review is underway.
• The Horizon scandal has led to the wrongful convictions of 900 subpostmasters, with victims coming forward to support Garbutt's appeal.

Statistics:

• 900: The number of subpostmasters wrongly convicted in the Horizon scandal.
• 73 seconds: The time window between the safe opening and the 999 call, as stated by the CCRC in Garbutt's last rejected appeal application.
• £30,000: The debt Garbutt had on six credit cards.
• 78: The number of customers Garbutt served between 4.30am and 8.30am on the day of the alleged robbery.
• 2010: The year Diana was murdered.

Sources:

• Garbutt's legal team, as stated in the article.
• The Mirror, where the dossier of new evidence is being held.
• CCRC (Criminal Cases Review Commission), as stated in the article.
• North Yorkshire Police, as stated in the article.
• PA (Press Association), as stated in the article.