A former Salford postmaster, Mohammed Rasul, has discussed how he considered suicide after being wrongly convicted of 22 counts of theft in 2007.
Mr Rasul began working as a postmaster at Tootal Drive Post Office (pictured above) in 1997 after studying at the University of Salford and working as a postman.
However after monetary shortfalls were found in the faulty Horizon IT system he was suspended in March 2005 and falsely accused of theft and false accounting.
Mr Rasul admitted it had a huge negative effect on him and his family’s life.
Speaking on the inquiry into the scandal in 2022, Mr Rasul said: “Even though I had done nothing wrong. I felt embarrassed and I took steps back from everything and everyone.”
Mr Rasul further admitted he found it difficult interacting with customers during the trial saying: “The main problem I had once suspended was not being able to look customers in the eye because they came in with the view that I was a criminal.
“My religion and my belief stopped me from taking my life.”
Mr Rasul’s story was featured in the Mr Bates Vs The Post Office ITV series, which covers the scandal and looks at the road that the postmasters took to get to the truth and have their convictions quashed.
The series has increased calls for compensation to be provided to the postmasters, with the government promising further action and an inquiry remains ongoing.
Paula Vennells who was the CEO of the Post Office has also offered to hand back her CBE after pressure mounted in recent weeks.
You can watch Mr Bates Vs The Post Office now on ITV Hub.
Listen to a recent interview with Mr Rasul here.
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