Janice R. Andrews
Shocking facts have emerged about the Post Office’s handling of the case of Martin Griffiths, a post office staff who sadly killed himself. Testimony revealed the Post Office’s efforts to bury the situation, including “drip feeding” payments to Griffiths’ widow and seeking legal counsel to protect its reputation.
Angela van den Bogerd, the Post Office’s former business improvement director, was questioned extensively about the case. Griffiths had expressed concerns about financial deficiencies at his branch, blaming them on technological faults, prior to his death in 2013. The inquiry heard that, despite his cries for assistance, Griffiths was forced to repay thousands of pounds, compounding his distress.
The Post Office reportedly offered Griffiths’ widow £140,000 in a settlement deal, which was backed by a non-disclosure clause. Questions were raised as to whether the Post Office utilized the prospect of additional payments to hush Griffiths’ widow.
Furthermore, internal correspondence demonstrated an emphasis on preserving the Post Office’s image rather than addressing Griffiths’ situation. Critics chastised the Post Office for its apparent disdain for Griffiths’ well-being and how it handled the poor IT system controversy.
During the investigation, further details about van den Bogerd’s actions emerged, including claims of dishonesty and ineptitude. Despite criticism from a high court judge, she acknowledged accepting a bonus in 2019.
The investigation focused light on the Post Office’s pursuit of operators for financial disparities, which were later discovered to be caused by IT system problems. As the investigation continues, the Post Office’s actions and accountability in this sad case become increasingly scrutinized.
