Kaitlin pictured aged nine - Heart pounding, Kaitlin Womack stared in shock at a Facebook post on her phone. In that moment, a horrifying memory from her childhood came flooding back. It was 2016, and her former neighbour, Kert Birtwistle, 29, had been convicted of child sexual offences. Seeing his face on her screen knocked Kaitlin, 25, for six. Because what nobody knew was that she’d been harbouring an awful secret since the age of nine. Birtwistle had subjected Kaitlin to three sickening sexual assaults while she played at his house as a child, including touching her privates under her swimming costume. Three years later, in 2019, Kaitlin, from Preston, reported Birtwistle to the police. When she did, six other victims also bravely came forward. In October 2024, Birtwistle, from Blackpool, was convicted of 14 charges, including rape and sexual assault. He was jailed for 12 years at Preston Crown Court. His brother, Jordan Wright, 28, also pleaded guilty to 18 sexual offences and was jailed for over 16 years. Now, Kaitlin is courageously waiving her right to anonymity to help encourage other survivors to report their abusers to the police.
WELCOME to the pretty 122-inch-tall red dwelling that lays claim to the title of the UK's smallest house .
FROM A mini table and chairs to a detailed violin, it’s hard to believe these incredible sculptures are all carved into the nib of PENCILS .
WITH A LITTLE cap of fresh snow resting on his head, this squirrel tries his best to pull off his new look .
A cheeky owl fancies a game of hide and seek as it peeps out from behind a tree .
A Little owl looks down the lens of a camera and gives the photographer a cheeky wink .
PERCHED on a branch, this Little Owl plays third wheel to two love birds .
A doting seal smiles at her sweet little pup as she tickles its tummy on the beach .
WITH the phosphorescent blobs and mesmerising patterns, these spectacular images may look like the hall marks of an enchanted forest but it is in fact the scene of thousands of dancing FIREFLIES .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
DINING under the stars, this restaurant takes you back in time - inside an ancient cave .