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.
SNUGGLING up against their teddy bears, these baby sloths could easily be mistaken for one of the cuddly toys .
SPARKLING bright inside their box, it’s hard to believe these diamonds are made from the cremated remains of the deceased .
WE’RE all familiar with the heart-wrenching pictures of dogs abandoned in animal shelters, but one photographer has found an innovative way of showcasing the pooch’s personality .
SHOVELLING food into his mouth, this hungry gorilla enjoys a peaceful moment at dinner time .
AN ADORABLE one-eyed kitten has been dubbed the 'pirate cat' because of his pirate-like facial expressions .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
WELCOME to what could be the world's tallest TOTALLY wooden construction .
Splashing around in the water, a mother otter and her son are tangled in a family feud .
PUCKERING up and enjoying some quality time, these are the most lovable monkeys on the planet .
THIS unique holiday accommodation allows you to enjoy a full Flintstones experience .
A diver explores the crystal clear waters of the Silfra canyon in southern Iceland, which is the only place on Earth where you can dive or snorkel between two continental plates .
CAMPED out in the middle of a forest, these unusual hut hotels take you back to basics .