Jo Hamilton’s life story featured in upcoming mini-series exposing the post office horizon scandal

In a compelling new ITV drama, the heart-wrenching tale of Jo Hamilton, a sub-postmistress accused of stealing £36,000 during the Post Office Horizon scandal, is set to unfold. The mini-series, titled “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” sheds light on one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in British legal history, involving over 700 sub-postmasters and mistresses, with four tragic suicides.

Jo Hamilton, once a beloved figure in her community in South Warnborough, Hants, found herself at the center of the Horizon scandal, a faulty online accounting system that wrongfully prosecuted innocent individuals. The drama, set to air next month, features a star-studded cast, including Katherine Kelly, Julie Hesmondhalgh, and Toby Jones in the title role of Alan Bates, a former sub-postmaster leading the fight for justice.

Jo Hamilton’s conviction was eventually quashed in 2021, but not before she faced significant personal and financial struggles. The mini-series explores her journey from a respected sub-postmistress to the heart of a scandal that led her to remortgage her home twice, borrow from friends, and eventually be charged with theft.

The drama vividly portrays Jo’s despair as she navigates a £2,000 shortfall, which, due to the advice from the Post Office helpline, escalates to a £4,000 apparent shortfall. Monica Dolan, a Bafta-winning actress, embodies Jo’s struggles in a poignant scene, bringing to life the emotional toll of the Horizon scandal.

In an interview, Jo Hamilton shared the embarrassing moment when her face was plastered across the front page of the local paper, branding her a fraudster. However, the ordeal also led to the revelation that many others were facing similar unjust accusations, sparking a collective fight for justice.

Jo’s life, portrayed by Monica Dolan, reflects the community support she received during her trial, with over 70 villagers turning out to support her, showcasing the trust and admiration she had built over the years. Her conviction, later revealed to be part of a widespread injustice, underscores the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the Horizon scandal.

Despite the emotional toll and financial hardships, Jo Hamilton is determined to continue campaigning alongside Alan Bates on behalf of other victims. The drama, “Mr Bates vs The Post Office,” aims to raise awareness of the widespread miscarriage of justice and the resilience of those who fought for truth and justice in the face of adversity.