A former postmaster serving a life sentence for the murder of his wife has declared he would prefer a retrial to prove his innocence rather than accept an early release. Robin Garbutt, 60, has spent nearly 15 years maintaining that his wife Diana was killed by an armed robber at their Post Office in Melsonby, North Yorkshire.
Fresh Doubts Cast on Trial Evidence
A major new three-part Sky documentary, 'Murder at the Post Office', has raised profound questions about the safety of Garbutt's conviction. The series, which aired on December 29, features personal diary entries and expert testimony suggesting a potential miscarriage of justice.
Garbutt is currently pursuing a fourth application to the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC), hoping to have his case referred to the Court of Appeal. He insists his goal is a full retrial to definitively clear his name.
The prosecution's case at his 2011 trial at Teesside Crown Court heavily relied on Garbutt's financial difficulties. It was alleged he stole from the Post Office till to fund an extravagant lifestyle. However, the discredited Horizon IT system's role in the accounts has since cast significant doubt on this financial evidence.
Forensic Gaps and Lost Evidence
Critical forensic evidence appears to undermine the conviction. The murder weapon, a metal bar, was found two days after the killing. While Diana's blood was on one end, the only other DNA present belonged to the police officer who discovered it. Garbutt's DNA was not found on the weapon.
In a troubling twist, a clump of hair photographed at the crime scene was reportedly lost during the investigation. Supporters believe it could have belonged to the real attacker, pulled out by Diana during a struggle.
Furthermore, the estimated time of death, a cornerstone of the prosecution's case, is now contested. Initially, expert testimony suggested Diana died between 2:30 am and 4:30 am on March 23, 2010, based on her stomach contents. This timeline contradicted Garbutt's account of a robbery at 8:30 am.
Forensic pathologist Dr David Rouse, featured in the documentary, states the time 'should not have been that specific' and could have been later, potentially aligning with Garbutt's version of events.
A Campaign for Justice and Family Division
Dr Mike Naughton, a legal campaigner, has called Garbutt's case 'the most egregious miscarriage of justice stemming from the Post Office scandal'. He emphasises the complete absence of forensic evidence linking Garbutt to the murder scene, describing the case as purely circumstantial.
Garbutt's sister, Sallie Wood, describes his relentless fight, spending years in his cell studying legal documents. "He has never given up," she said. "He is going to prove that there is someone out there who has done this."
Diana's mother, Agnes Gaylor, has accused Garbutt of 'jumping on the bandwagon' of the Horizon scandal to secure freedom. However, friends of the couple, including Diana's close friend Christine Elliott, speak of his character and their belief in his innocence.
North Yorkshire Police stated they have nothing to add to the facts presented in court, which led to Garbutt's life sentence. The CCRC confirmed a review of his latest application is underway.
