Heroes recognised: Bangor University awarded sub-postmasters with honorary degrees

Bangor University honoured two former sub-postmasters for their key roles in seeking justice for Post Office managers in the Horizon scandal, which is widely regarded as the most sweeping miscarriage of justice in UK history.

The university has granted honorary degrees to ten people from the fields of public service, literature, music, science, and athletics for their contributions to public life, including two former sub-postmasters, Sir Alan Bates and Noel Thomas.

To celebrate Bangor's 140th anniversary, the university is gearing up for events that are a highlight of the academic year for students, their families, and university personnel. And it took place in the historic Prichard-Jones Hall from Monday, July 8th, to Friday, July 12th.

Two former sub-postmasters, Alan Bates from Llandudno and Noel Thomas from Gaerwen, have been awarded honorary degrees in recognition of their tireless efforts to seek justice for sub-postmasters for two decades.

Due to the Horizon computer system failure, Mr Thomas was unfairly accused and convicted of false accounting.

He successfully overturned his wrongful conviction and has become a vocal advocate, as he "wanted others who had suffered to come forward and secure justice.".

These dedicated individuals have spent two decades campaigning for fair treatment and compensation for sub-postmasters who were wrongfully accused of financial wrongdoing.

Sir Alan Bates, former Sub-Postmaster, has been awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) for Public Service.

Despite facing many obstacles, Sir Alan Bates has persisted twenty years in his quest for justice, becoming a symbol of hope for sub-postmasters who have been wrongfully accused and punished, which is the largest failure of justice in UK history.

Sir Alan Bates launched the Justice for Sub-postmasters Alliance (JSFA) in 2009, taking the lead in the legal struggle to seek justice for individuals whose lives were harmed and to guarantee recompense for those wrongfully charged.

He and five other JFSA members sued the Post Office on behalf of 555 claimants. Noel Thomas, former sub-postmaster, was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws (Hon LLD) for Public Service.

Noel Thomas was recognised for his essential contribution in correcting the massive miscarriage of justice known as the Horizon scandal in the United Kingdom (UK).

In a lengthy judicial battle, he fought alongside others to release the names of Post Office sub-postmasters who had been criminally convicted due to faulty accounting software. His dedication to pursuing justice for those touched by the incident reflects his perseverance and desire to uncover the truth.

This year's honorary degree awardees include Manon Steffan Ros, Linda Gittins, Joan Edwards, Mark Williams, Dr Susan Chomba, Professor E Wynne Jones, Professor John Philip Sumpter, and Carl Foulkes.