Bridlington’s Lee Castleton—once a subpostmaster, then a victim of one of the largest miscarriages of justice in British history—has been relentless. His journey speaks of profound loss, dogged resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of the truth. The Post Office Horizon IT scandal shattered countless lives, and Castleton’s story stands out as both deeply personal and emblematic of systemic failure.
A Life Upended by Faulty Software
Lee Castleton began as an electrician and ex-serviceman, stepping into the role of subpostmaster in 2003. But by early 2004, his accounts began showing mysterious shortfalls—around £25,000—thanks to glitches in the Horizon system, developed by Fujitsu . He called the helpline repeatedly (91 times!), armoured only with mounting anxiety and no answers .
Castleton refused to repay what he didn’t owe. The Post Office took him to court, and despite his best efforts, he was ordered to pay legal costs amounting to £321,000, forcing him into bankruptcy . His world unraveled: business gone, home sold, family stability shattered.
A System Defended by Ostracizing the Innocent
Behind the scenes, the Post Office wasn’t defending justice—it was defending the Horizon system. Internal strategy documents revealed an intention to make an example of Castleton to deter others from challenging Horizon’s authority .
A Fujitsu manager even labeled him a “nasty chap” in private emails, long before an inquiry exposed the scale of the software’s defects . Yet, Castleton is not portrayed as vengeful—he’s steadfast, reflecting:
“We were the guinea pigs… fictitious deficits… a debt hung around all our necks.”
A Turning Point: Inquiry, Drama—and an OBE
Years later, the scandal came into the public eye. The ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office put Castleton (portrayed by Will Mellor) in the spotlight, humanizing his plight and helping drive public outrage .
In recognition of his extraordinary campaigning, Castleton received an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2025 New Year’s Honours—dignity for many years of suffering . Still, Castleton sees this as a milestone, not a finish line: “Sometimes you have to step forward and shout as loud as you can…” .
The Legal Battle That Could Rewrite the Narrative
In March 2025, Castleton took an unprecedented step—becoming the first individual to sue both the Post Office and Fujitsu to overturn the civil judgment against him . His argument is steeped in justice: the original judgment was obtained by fraud, with Fujitsu suppressing error logs and vital evidence of Horizon’s instability .
At a recent High Court hearing, his barrister declared:
“They obtained judgment by consciously and dishonestly withholding material evidence… perverting the course of justice.”
Judges acknowledged the urgency of his case, ordering a separate trial to assess whether a 2019 settlement bars Castleton from proceeding—signaling the court’s awareness of the stakes and its sympathy for Castleton’s quest for vindication .
Meanwhile, the backlog of compensation remains staggering—billions allocated, millions delivered, but many still in limbo .
Broader Context: A National Mishandling Revealed
Castleton’s case is one thread in a vast tapestry of injustice. Between 1999 and 2015, the Post Office prosecuted more than 900 subpostmasters, many convicted and incarcerated based on faulty data . Convictions were gradually quashed, inquiries launched, dramas aired—but the wounds run deep.
Other survivors, like Jo Hamilton and Seema Misra, have broken their silence and become advocates. Hamilton, once driven to plead false accounts in court to avoid prison, continues to campaign for justice while holding down a cleaning job—both as necessity and as a gesture of gratitude to her supporters .
Complexities of Compensation and Redemption
The 2019 Bates & Others civil settlement was supposed to bring closure—but compensation was small after legal costs. Castleton chose not to accept any scheme-based payouts because he wants to overturn the judgment first . It’s not just about financial restoration; it’s about clearing his name.
Fujitsu, uniquely, has not just defended but also tried to distance itself—even as itself remains a significant government contractor. Castleton, for his part, calls out that evasiveness: “They’ve been very clever in making sure they stayed outside that circle…” .
Conclusion
Lee Castleton’s story isn’t merely about one man; it is a testament to the perils of flawed systems defended by institutions unwilling to reckon—and to the resilience of ordinary people standing up to institutional injustice. From bankeruptcy and personal ruin, he emerges as not only a survivor but a truth-teller, forging the path toward systemic accountability.
As his legal battle unfolds, it shines a light on the broader need for transparency, redress, and genuine liability. His fight reminds us that true justice may be slow, but it’s vital—and every effort matters.
FAQs
What triggered Lee Castleton’s legal claim?
Castleton argues the 2007 civil judgment against him was obtained by fraud, as Fujitsu and the Post Office knowingly withheld evidence about Horizon’s bugs. His High Court claim seeks to set that judgment aside.
Why did Castleton refuse to participate in compensation schemes?
He believes compensation without overturning the original judgment doesn’t restore his reputation. He seeks full legal exoneration rather than financial peace.
How has public attention influenced his case?
The ITV drama Mr Bates vs The Post Office and media coverage elevated his profile, amplifying public support and garnering his OBE, which reinforced his credibility in court.
What makes Castleton’s case unique?
Unlike many victims who had criminal convictions quashed, his case involves a civil judgment that still stands. He’s the first individual suing both the Post Office and Fujitsu, seeking overturn via High Court litigation.
What is the broader scope of the Horizon scandal?
Between 1999 and 2015, around 900+ subpostmasters were wrongly prosecuted due to Horizon errors, causing financial ruin, jail, and emotional trauma. Many cases are still being resolved.
What could be next if Castleton wins?
A victory may pave the way for more civil victims to challenge past judgments and reinforce the call for institutional accountability from both the Post Office and Fujitsu.
