image source, Dewi Lewis

MPs are hearing more horror stories this afternoon, including that of Dewi Lewis, who ran a shop and post office in Penrhyndeudraeth, North Wales.

He was a county councilor and told MPs he believed he was charged with theft because it was high profile and would be “front page news”.

Lewis pleaded guilty to try to get his sentence reduced, but ended up spending three months in jail in 2011, which he said was devastating, especially as he had to see his parents visit him there.

After his release from prison, he returned to running his store until he retired earlier this year.

He says he became dependent on drugs to “get by”, describing himself as a “virtual recluse”, and only received the letter quashing his conviction in August this year.

Despite his ordeal, Lewis says he still feels “lucky” to have had the support of his community, family and friends. “No one thought I was guilty,” he says.

But the process of obtaining his compensation was not without problems.

His initial interim payment was delayed due to a mix-up with a reference number and finally arrived last week.

“The wonder of a select committee,” replied chairman Liam Byrne.

Lewis decided to accept the £600,000 offer as he had no fight left in him to ask for more.