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 BUMPER season of births has left zoo with three of the cutest exotic kittens you're likely to see .
A cricket perches on an unusual seat after crawling up the snout of a crocodile .
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 .
COVERING themselves in ash and face paint, these are the holy men who live their lives away from everyday society .
This longhorn beetle demon-strates a dark side as it looks just like the devil .
From the rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons to the still waters in the Lake District, these photographs capture autumnal landscapes across Great Britain perfectly .
This cheeky chappie is getting into all kinds of monkey business as he enjoys cooling off on a scorching hot day .
A BABY-faced burglar is starting a seven year stretch in custody after being nabbed by a Jaffa Cake .
JUDGE BLASTED FOR LETTING PAEDO WALK FREE A PERVERT who sexually assaulted two young girls on an allotment, telling them he was brushing spiders off them, has walked free from court – because jailing him was ‘unfair’ on his family .
ARMED with her camera, bikini and flippers, this brave diver goes swimming with SHARKS .
LEAF-ing much to the imagination, this camera trickery is blooming marvellous .
Complete with core, mantle and crust, these incredible planet cakes are truly out of this world .