A post office owner serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife in North Yorkshire hopes to submit a fresh appeal against his conviction. Robin Garbutt claims that the discredited Horizon computer system was used to falsely frame him for the killing of his wife, Diana. Garbutt has consistently maintained his innocence since the tragic event in 2010 and continues to seek justice.
Despite being found guilty at trial in 2011, Garbutt asserts that he was wrongly convicted based on circumstantial evidence, with the jury split 10-2. He argues that unreliable data from the Horizon system was used to incriminate him, alleging that it showed he was stealing money from the Post Office and then killed his wife to cover up his theft. However, there was no DNA evidence linking him to the murder or the murder weapon used in the crime.
Garbutt’s case has attracted attention due to the recent decision to quash all Horizon-dependent convictions, prompting hope for his chance at a fresh appeal. He emphasizes that his circumstance is unique, but points to similar misconduct in handling other cases by the Post Office as evidence of a flawed system. Garbutt’s conviction drew attention to the impact of unreliable data on legal proceedings, raising concerns about the need for a fair and accurate justice system.
As of now, Garbutt remains in prison, serving a life sentence and will not be considered for release until 2030. The disputed use of Horizon system data in his trial and the subsequent developments in similar cases have reignited interest in his fight for justice, as he seeks to clear his name and prove his innocence with new evidence. Despite the challenges he faces, Garbutt continues to hope for a fair hearing and the opportunity to present his case before a new jury.