Move to consider automatic pardons for Scots victims of Horizon scandal celebrated by postmasters

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A move to consider automatic pardons for Scots victims of the Horizon scandal was celebrated last night by wrongly-convicted post masters.Those battling to clear their names said an automatic pardon was long overdue - but the measure was vital to spare families further stress.There has been a massive public outcry over the conviction of 700 post masters across the UK due to a faulty IT system after the hit TV series Mr Bates vs The Post Office.Yesterday, in a major shift, Scottish Justice Minister Angela Constance announced that moves had begun to automatically pardon those convicted in Scotland.She revealed in Holyrood: “We are looking at a pardon scheme.“Anyone wrongly convicted as a result of the Horizon scandal should have their conviction reversed and be entitled to compensation.”She also vowed to work with the UK government to make sure Scots victims have access to the UK government’s compensation scheme.Robert Thomson, whose fight to clear his name on appeal is set to start within weeks, spoke of his delight that a mass pardon was finally under consideration.Robert was convicted in 2006 and has waited for seven years for his case to come to appeal but he now hopes he can now be spared the process.The Post Office launched criminal proceedings against Robert, from Alva, after auditors identified an alleged shortfall of around £5700. Join the Daily Record's WhatsApp community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. The grandad of four, who took over Cambus post office from his mum in the early 2000s, had already reported shortfalls of about £60,000.When his lawyer warned he was facing prison, he was forced to plead guilty and sentenced to community service.The 64-year-old said: “If the