The ongoing inquiry into the Horizon IT scandal, which has captured the attention of the British public, has not only highlighted significant injustices suffered by sub-postmasters but also ignited a fervor among “superfans” who have followed the proceedings with notable enthusiasm. The story of the Horizon scandal involves ordinary people caught in the web of a faulty IT system that led to wrongful prosecutions of over 900 sub-postmasters. This debacle has been characterized as the UK’s most large-scale miscarriage of justice, devastating lives and leading to dire consequences including imprisonment and financial ruin.
The inquiry itself has gained extraordinary traction with more than 20 million views on YouTube, partly thanks to the ITV drama “Mr. Bates vs The Post Office,” which shed light on the issue and made it part of public discourse. Citizens from all walks of life, many without direct ties to the Post Office, have found themselves drawn into the narrative. A particular group has emerged within this audience—those who identify as “superfans.” These individuals, deeply impacted by the events unfolding before them, have taken it upon themselves to witness the inquiry, either in person or through various online platforms.
Among these superfans is Anthony Abdool, who was compelled to take time off from his freelance copywriting job to attend the inquiry in person on nine separate occasions. Despite not having seen the ITV drama, he became engrossed in the scandal through news reports and online hearings. “The more they got into it, the more outraged I became,” Anthony expressed, highlighting the emotional toll the revelations had on him. This experience resonated not just with him, but with many of his colleagues who often sought updates, illustrating how the inquiry fostered a connection among different communities.
Another devoted follower was Isabella Thomas, a 19-year-old law student who participated in a week-long work experience at the inquiry. Humbled by witnessing the testimonies of those wrongfully accused, she felt inspired to take a course on “Miscarriages of Justice.” Similarly captivated was Carrie, a 63-year-old retiree who became somewhat obsessed with the inquiry after it became available on YouTube. She spent her holiday listening to the hearings, celebrating the work of journalist Nick Wallis and others fighting for the sub-postmasters.
There was also Abi Smith, aged 55, who found herself increasingly drawn to the inquiry after former Post Office CEO Paula Vennells testified. Abi crafted a post box topper themed around Vennells’ questioning, reflecting the profound emotional impact the inquiry had on her as she considered the deep trust people had in the institution. For Abel, the events were not simply a matter of judicial malfeasance; they were a “tragedy of trust,” as many perceived the Post Office to be a bastion of reliability.
Internationally, the inquiry extended its reach. Paul Duckett, living in Australia, started watching the inquiry out of a sense of connection to his homeland, even posting about the hearings on his YouTube channel. This keen interest illustrates that the inquiry had ramifications that transcended geographical borders, uniting those concerned about justice regardless of where they lived.
Lastly, artist Pey Kan Su attended 29 sessions of the inquiry, meticulously sketching scenes from it. The process of drawing provided him with a way to express and process the complex narratives unfolding in the courtroom, as well as a commitment to remembering the lessons drawn from this massive injustice.
This collective engagement—from attentive inquiry followers witnessing each step of the hearings, to professionals and students inspired to take action—signals a societal demand for accountability and reform in the wake of the Horizon scandal. As the inquiry wraps up its 225-day journey with testimonies from 298 witnesses, many “superfans” reflect not just on what has transpired but also on what lies ahead in the quest for justice. Each participant hopes that meaningful action will follow to rectify the wrongs perpetrated against the sub-postmasters—who are yearning for recognition, closure, and the restoration of their reputations. As they return to their lives, the lingering hope is that this inquiry will serve as a prompt for much-needed systemic changes that prevent future miscarriages of justice.
