The oldest victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal, Betty Brown, 92, has said she is accepting an OBE on behalf of all those affected, dedicating the honour to 'all sub-postmasters we have lost'. The former sub-postmistress, who was wrongly prosecuted, said the King told her the scandal was 'dreadful' when they met.
Betty Brown, from Lytham St Annes, Lancashire, was one of hundreds of sub-postmasters who faced financial ruin and criminal convictions due to faulty Horizon accounting software. She received the OBE in the New Year Honours list for services to justice. Speaking after the investiture, she said: 'I want to dedicate this to all sub-postmasters we have lost. It's for them.'
“Betty Brown, 92, the oldest victim of the Post Office Horizon scandal, receives an OBE and dedicates it to fellow sub-postmasters who suffered. She recalls the King calling the scandal 'dreadful'.”
The scandal has devastated communities across the UK, with many sub-postmasters losing their livelihoods, homes, and even their freedom. The public inquiry into the matter, chaired by Sir Wyn Williams, continues to hear evidence. The government has promised to clear the names of those wrongfully convicted and has set up a compensation scheme, although many victims have criticised the pace of payouts.
Betty Brown, who ran a post office in Lytham for 30 years, was prosecuted for false accounting in 2017 but the case was later withdrawn. She said the ordeal left her 'devastated' and that she still feels the pain of the injustice. She described meeting the King as 'wonderful' and said he was 'very kind' and expressed his sympathy.
The OBE ceremony took place at Windsor Castle earlier this month. Betty Brown was accompanied by her son and daughter, who have supported her throughout the campaign for justice. She said she hoped the honour would keep the issue in the public eye and ensure that the victims are not forgotten.
The Post Office has apologised for the scandal and said it is committed to compensating victims. However, many campaigners argue that more needs to be done to hold those responsible to account. The government has said it will introduce legislation to quash convictions of sub-postmasters, but details are still being worked out.
The scandal has also sparked calls for reform of the Post Office's corporate structure and for better protection for franchisees. Betty Brown's OBE is seen as a recognition of the courage of all those who fought for justice.
What This Means For You
For sub-postmasters and their families, the OBE awarded to Betty Brown is a symbol of the long-overdue recognition of their suffering. If you or someone you know was affected by the Horizon scandal, you may be eligible for compensation. The government has set up a scheme, but you should seek legal advice as the process can be complex. The scandal also highlights the importance of clear contracts and legal protections for franchisees. For the general public, it serves as a reminder that miscarriages of justice can happen when large organisations and flawed IT systems are not properly scrutinised.