9:21 am, October 23, 2026
The man who became one of the most prominent victims of the Post Office Horizon scandal has thrown his support behind car dealer Kevin Mackie’s ongoing legal battle.
Car Dealer has reported extensively on the Mackie Motors case over recent years, after the family-run dealer group has its banking and access to key dealer systems pulled with seven days notice back in 2021, amid internal suspicions of money laundering.
The dealer has continued to deny any wrongdoing and has now received support from a significant new ally.
Lee Castleton OBE, who was wrongfully sued and bankrupted by the Post Office, met Mackie at the House of Commons on Wednesday, alongside SNP MP Dave Doogan.
The trio discussed the difficulties individuals face when challenging large institutions, including the financial burden of prolonged legal proceedings.
Mackie says Castleton’s experience has given him hope that accountability can be achieved, as his legal tribulations continue to drag on.
‘Powerful organisations feel they can throw around baseless accusations, confident that their army of lawyers will insulate them from the consequences,’ he said.
‘Lee has been an esteemed champion for all those who have found themselves on the wrong side of this corporate irresponsibility and the miscarriages of justice which follow.’
Mackie Motors was forced into a distress sale within weeks of Renault, Nissan and RCI Financial Services cutting off its banking facilities and access to key dealer systems in 2021.
The manufacturers and financier have repeatedly attempted to have Mackie Motors’ legal claim thrown out, arguing it repeats matters already litigated in previous proceedings and amounts to an abuse of the court process.
However, the High Court recently rejected their latest attempt to strike out the case, ruling that it should proceed to a full trial, and subsequently refused them permission to appeal.
Castleton said people challenging large organisations often faced an uphill struggle.
‘Far too often wealthy and powerful organisations, whether they be public bodies, private companies, or banks, can act with impunity, levying false allegations that destroy lives and families,’ he said.
‘‘It’s not easy to stand up against the face of corporate indifference and demand accountability. I have been fortunate to have much public support in the fight to hold the Post Office and Fujitsu accountable for what they did.
‘Others, like Kevin, have not but still display an inspiring conviction, year after year, to shine a light on corporate wrongdoing.’
Following the last court decision, Renault UK told Car Dealer: ‘We will continue to defend our position, as we have done throughout this process.’
A spokesman for RCI Financial Services added: ‘We respect the decision of the court and are currently reviewing the judgment to consider our options. As this matter remains under legal review, we will not be making any further comment at this stage.’
Nissan did not respond to our request for a comment at that time.
You can read about the whole Mackie Motors legal saga here.