Hundreds of subpostmasters were wrongly accused of stealing, false accounting and fraud by the Post Office when, in fact, it was their own failing computer system causing accounting discrepancies.
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Many were jailed, some suffered great mental turmoil and at least one took their own life.
But one man decided enough was enough – former subpostmaster Alan Bates, who himself had to leave his job over financial shortfalls, brought victims together to fight for justice.
Those watching the second episode of the four part drama last night struggled with the frustrating scenes and took to X to discuss it.
One person commented: “Watching the second episode of #MrBatesvsThePostOffice and I could cry. It is so awful.”
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A second said: “I felt so many painful emotions just watching the programme, it’s hard to even begin to imagine the suffering the victims endured.”
While a third added: “Less than 20 mins in and not sure I can watch this. Sick to my stomach #PostOfficeScandal.”
Alan is played by Toby Jones and the cast also includes Monica Dolan, Julie Hesmondhalgh and Katherine Kelly.
Speaking about being part of the series, Toby, 57, said: “I think what you have in essence here is a Greek drama, where you have a community coming together.
“There’s that fundamental belief in democracy, so Alan proposed that they get in a circle, share what they knew and see if they could come up with a solution.
“It’s really interesting playing someone who is driven by right, but it’s hard to play a good man, being the kind of man I am!”