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.
USUALLY full to bursting, these London Underground stations stand silent and completely commuter free .
A little caterpillar fearlessly scampers down a branch and confronts a praying mantis .
From vibrant blues to dazzling oranges, these eye catching hummingbirds proudly show off their impressive colours .
An artist has transformed traditional Thanksgiving dinners into mini-masterpieces .
STRIKING photos capture nature at its most raw and powerful during Earth’s most electrifying event .
LEAPING through the air this determined little mouse is on a mission for food .
BALANCING on top of a tree, this bear cub puts her climbing skills to the test .
A BAMBI was dramatically caught in mid-air by a greedy Nile crocodile in a once-in-a-million flying pincer move .
A lively lemon shark grins into the camera and showcases his impressive teeth .
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 .
WITH LUSH GREEN LANDSCAPES stretching out as far as the eye can see, you're in for a treat at these one of a kind treehouses .
Scurrying along the branch of a tree, a little squirrel pushes a pram packed full of Easter treats .