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Parmod Kalia, a former sub-postmaster from Orpington, south-east London, has passed away at the age of 67 without receiving full compensation following his wrongful conviction during the Post Office Horizon IT scandal. Having managed his branch for 11 years, Kalia was accused of theft and subsequently spent six months in prison. Although his conviction was overturned, he described the experience as something that “broke him.”
Between 1999 and 2015, over 700 Post Office branch managers were wrongly convicted of fraud and theft due to errors in the Horizon software system. Kalia, who also dedicated part of his life to fostering children, was remembered as a calming and warm individual by his friend Tim Brentnall, a fellow former sub-postmaster. Brentnall spoke highly of Kalia’s kindness and ability to provide stability and love to foster children, expressing that this was a source of pride for him.
In 2001, following advice from his union representative, Kalia pleaded guilty to theft and served a six-month prison sentence. He kept this conviction hidden, even from close family and friends, for 15 years. His conviction was quashed in 2021 at Southwark Crown Court, with the Post Office choosing not to oppose the appeals, citing it was not in the public interest to pursue a retrial. However, the Post Office maintained that had a retrial occurred, there was a reasonable chance of conviction, which, in their view, affected the full compensation entitlement relating to malicious prosecution.
Tim Brentnall described Kalia as a “dignified, proud man” who nonetheless harbored a deep anger over the injustice and delay in receiving compensation. Brentnall reflected on the challenges faced by Kalia’s family, saying they now have to continue the fight for justice, balancing that struggle with their grief. A government spokesperson expressed condolences to Kalia’s family and acknowledged the urgency in resolving compensation issues for Post Office sub-postmasters, emphasizing ongoing efforts to deliver justice promptly
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