Betty Brown, the oldest living victim of the Post Office Horizon IT scandal, has received the title of Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her advocacy in the pursuit of justice. At 92 years old, Brown’s commitment to righting the wrongs suffered by herself and others has made a significant impact.
Background on the Horizon IT Scandal
Betty Brown operated the Annfield Plain Post Office in County Durham alongside her late husband, Oswall, starting in 1985. In 2003, the couple faced immense financial strain due to the Horizon IT system, which falsely indicated financial discrepancies. Brown and her husband spent over £50,000 in personal savings to cover these non-existent shortfalls before being forced to close the post office.
A Long Fight for Justice
Recently, Brown was awarded a long-awaited settlement from a government compensation scheme. She expressed her gratitude to BBC Breakfast, stating that her recognition is for all victims of the scandal. Brown insisted that every one of them deserves an OBE for their resilience amid the distress inflicted by the Post Office.
- Over 900 sub-postmasters faced wrongful prosecutions due to the Horizon IT system.
- Thousands more were financially burdened by alleged losses attributed to the system.
- The scandal has been characterized as one of the most significant miscarriages of justice in the UK.
Brown’s journey to receiving the OBE reflects a broader recognition of the struggles faced by many postmasters. “I did it for justice,” Brown remarked upon receiving her honor.
Compensation and Acknowledgment
In November 2025, after a protracted 26-year battle for justice, Brown received her compensation payout. She commented on the importance of recognition, indicating a sense of relief and a desire for quicker resolution for victims. “At last, they’ve recognized justice; pity they took so long,” she said.
Officials highlight the profound human effects of the Horizon scandal, acknowledging the suffering endured by postmasters and their families. The government has thus far compensated over £1.3 billion to more than 10,000 victims of the scandal.
A Community of Support
Brown is not alone in her fight for justice. Sir Alan Bates, another prominent figure in the campaign against the Post Office, was knighted in 2024 for his services. Bates and Brown were both integral to the Group Litigation Order, which aimed to secure justice for the original 555 victims of the scandal.
The Horizon inquiry continues to shed light on the harrowing experiences of those affected, leading to a necessary governmental acknowledgment of the tragic repercussions caused by the faulty IT system.
