A 92-year-old victim of the Post Office scandal has dedicated her OBE to 'all sub-postmasters we have lost', the BBC reports.
The woman, who was not named in the video, made the comment while receiving the honour. She is among hundreds of sub-postmasters affected by the Horizon IT scandal, in which faulty accounting software led to wrongful convictions for theft and false accounting.
“A 92-year-old Post Office scandal victim dedicates her OBE to sub-postmasters who have died, highlighting the lasting impact of the Horizon IT scandal.”
The Post Office Horizon scandal is one of the biggest miscarriages of justice in British history. More than 700 sub-postmasters were prosecuted between 1999 and 2015. Many have since had their convictions overturned, but some died before seeing justice.
The 92-year-old's OBE recognition highlights the ongoing impact of the scandal. She expressed hope that the honour would serve as a reminder of those who suffered.
Regional dimensions of the scandal have been felt across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with sub-postmasters in all four nations affected. In Scotland, several cases were pursued through the Crown Office, while Welsh and Northern Irish sub-postmasters also faced prosecutions.
Campaigners and former sub-postmasters have long called for full compensation and a public inquiry. The UK government has established a statutory inquiry into the scandal, led by Sir Wyn Williams, which is ongoing.
No further details about the woman’s identity or when she received the OBE were provided in the BBC report.
What This Means For You For sub-postmasters and their families, this OBE dedication underscores the human cost of the scandal. It serves as a reminder that while some have received honours, many victims have not seen justice. The ongoing inquiry may lead to further compensation and reform of the Post Office's relationship with its sub-postmasters.