'No evidence' of convicted postmaster's theft, Panorama learns

The Post Office prosecuted a postmaster for stealing - even though its own criminal investigator couldn't find any evidence of theft, the BBC has learned.

Jo Hamilton is one of dozens of postmasters who were prosecuted after having problems with the Post Office's "Horizon" computer system.

But documents obtained by BBC Panorama reveal it now accepts the losses at Mrs Hamilton's branch were probably caused by "operational errors", not theft.

The Post Office denies any wrongdoing.

It says the Horizon system is robust and there is no evidence that miscarriages of justice have taken place.

Mrs Hamilton was accused of stealing £36,000 from her branch in South Warnborough, Hampshire, in 2006.

BBC Panorama reporter John Sweeney was with her when she saw the documents for the first time.

Watch John Sweeney's film "Trouble at the Post Office" on Panorama, on BBC One at 730pm on Monday 17 August, or catch up later on BBC iPlayer.