The first criminal sentence associated with the post office capture system has been sent to the court of appeal.

The Review Commission of Criminal Affairs (CCRC) said that in June 1998, the case of Petricea Owen, who was found guilty in five cases of theft, has been referred to on the basis that it was misuse of the process.

Ms. Owen was convicted of theft from the broad oak post office branch in Swachgate near Canterbury, over a decrease of £ 6,000.

The former sub-postmistress used the capture system, which was a precursor for horizon software, which is responsible for about 1,000 wrong beliefs.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for two years.

After her death in 2003, after an application by Ms. Owen’s family, the case is to be sent posthumously to the court.

The CCRC stated in March that it was investigating 27 cases to determine whether the capture accounting software played a role in the sentence.

Subpostmasters said that an independent report was launched in Capture last year after facing similar problems for those who faced the horizon victims.

The CCRC said that it has sent more than 70 cases related to the Post Office Kshitij scam in the appeal courts.

Solicitor Neil Hadgel said the referral was a “very positive step”.

He said, “This is another historical moment in the campaign to ensure all those who were wrongly prosecuted at the hands of the post office, their names have been cleared,” he said.

“Those who were influenced by capture have suffered the longest loss.”

In a statement, the Department of Trade and Trade said: “We believe that postmasters have tolerated infallible pain, and we are working closely with people affected by capture software to make a new prevention plan.

“To ensure that postmasters are treated with dignity and respect, we have complete priority, and we will keep listening to those who are sharing their stories and working with CCRC to support them with a review of the captaincy system.”