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.
HIDDEN in the middle of the Mojave Desert, a secret oasis awaits intrepid travellers .
STARING eagerly into the camera, this little toad is full of curiosity .
Throwing their arms up in the air, these energetic squirrels play a game of ball with a walnut .
Pic By Graham Gibson/ HotSpot Media - SHARK HYPNOTIST BALANCES SHARK IN PALM OF HIS HAND- In Pic - Diver Tom and Caribbean reef sharks in the Bahamas- A SHARK hypnotist balances these predators in the palm of his hand by sending them to sleep with a gentle nose rub .
THIS is the incredible moment a pelican throws a fish into the air and SLAM DUNKS it into its enormous throat sack .
ROLLING around in the snow, these young brown bears take a break from their play fight to share a tender hug with one another .
PEACE and love filled the 1980’s Glastonbury fields as relaxed festival goers kicked back and soaked up the atmosphere .
SAILING peacefully across a river in the early morning light, a fisherman in China keeps a 1000 year old tradition alive .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
LIKE A living balloon this baitball of sardines is ready to burst when threatened by a pointy nosed sailfish .
A pair of snarling foxes go paw-to-paw and brawl after unexpectedly crossing paths .
A soap bubble lands on the frosty ground and creates a shimmering snow globe as crystals form around it .