'We suffered bullying, anorexia and being branded as thieves'

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The damaging effects of the Post Office scandal have had far-reaching consequences on innocent children, as highlighted in a recent report. One such victim, Millie Castleton, was just eight years old when her father was wrongfully accused of financial misconduct at the post office he managed in Yorkshire. This false accusation led to ostracization, bullying, and financial hardship for the Castleton family, ultimately taking a toll on Millie’s mental health.

As Millie grew older, the stigma of the scandal continued to haunt her. She faced bullying at school, battled with an eating disorder, and eventually dropped out of university due to the pressure and anxiety caused by her family’s ordeal. Despite her efforts to move past the trauma, Millie admits that she still struggles with feelings of unworthiness and mistrust towards others.

The impact of the Post Office scandal extended beyond just the Castleton family. Other families, like that of Janine Powell and Robert Thomson, also suffered immensely. Janine’s daughter was forced to live with a friend after her mother’s conviction, leading to emotional trauma and mental illness. Similarly, Robert’s children were teased at school, and his wife experienced depression and isolation due to the shame and embarrassment caused by the wrongful accusations.

In response to the report’s findings, the government has announced plans to set up a compensation scheme for the close family members of wronged subpostmasters who suffered severe consequences. While this initiative is a step in the right direction, there are still challenges ahead in determining the eligibility criteria and scale of compensation. However, legal expert Professor Richard Moorhead believes that providing compensation to these children and families can help alleviate some of the hardships they have endured and potentially improve their future prospects

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More

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