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.
A quiet Himalayan mountain village springs to life for a colourful Buddhist festival designed to expel evil spirits and bring happiness .
A makeup artist from the West Midlands magically transforms herself into famous cartoon characters using body paint .
Grandmother Janet Kirby was told she couldn't board her plane home after being accused of assault .
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 .
SWIMMING next to 40 tonne whales, dare-devil divers take the plunge with these gentle giants of the sea .
AN ITALIAN mechanic has created the world’s most ferocious mini-car .
A US firefighter has battled osteoarthritis and four hip replacements to break the world paddleboarding record .
At first glance what might look like ordinary rusty bridge and road railings, are in fact amazing works of art .
This tranquil setting stretches for miles as the sun sets behind the mountain .
WITH a paw in the air and his tongue hanging from his mouth, it is clear to see that this little groundhog is struggling to wake up and leave behind the comfort of his burrow .
THE THOUGHT OF BECOMING shipwrecked on a remote destination would fill most holidaymakers with dread .
THIS incredible shimmer of silver fish mirrors the image of that of an underwater tornado .