Paula Vennells may have known about allegations Horizon could be remotely accessed

In one other a part of the tapes, Submit Workplace officers relay conversations with Ms Vennells on how the Second Sight probe – commissioned by the Submit Workplace for an unbiased investigation – may increase the spectre of a “miscarriage of justice”.

Ms Crichton is heard saying: “So Paula agrees that the unique scope of the investigation didn’t go so far as whether or not it was the miscarriage of justice level, Ron and Ian.

“In order that’s, that’s not what she’s on the lookout for. She’s on the lookout for the systematic – or systemic reasonably, not systematic – systemic weak spot within the Horizon techniques.

“However not, as I mentioned, it doesn’t go on to that subsequent level round whether or not or not it’s brought on the miscarriage of justice, or suspension of a sub-postmaster.

“As a result of I feel that, when you discovered it, then it’s as much as us to search for and see what affect it is perhaps, if that occurs,” Ms Crichton is heard saying.

A press release launched on behalf of Ms Vennells by her attorneys mentioned: “I proceed to assist and deal with co-operating with the inquiry and anticipate to be giving proof within the coming months.

“I’m really sorry for the devastation brought on to the sub-postmasters and their households, whose lives had been torn aside by being wrongly accused and wrongly prosecuted because of the Horizon system.

“I now intend to proceed to deal with aiding the inquiry and won’t make any additional public remark till it has concluded.”

Susan Crichton didn’t reply to Channel 4 Information’ requests for remark.

Fujitsu declined to remark.

A Submit Workplace spokesperson mentioned: “We stay totally centered on attending to the reality of what occurred and supporting the statutory public inquiry, which is chaired by a choose with the facility to query witnesses below oath, and is due to this fact greatest positioned to assist obtain this.”