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.
FROM the rolling hills of the Scottish highlands to looming chalk cliffs in Sussex, these stunning photographs capture the spectacular beauty of Great Britain .
These uninvited guests ELEPHANTLY make their annual trip through the reception of this welcoming lodge .
PERCHED on a branch, these two frogs hold hands as they look into the camera .
An intrepid explorer hopes to be reunited with his travel partner, after his cuddly toy companion was stolen .
SEA LIFE and greenery in one shot show nature at its very best .
Destroyed buildings and overturned cars are seen after a huge tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma, near Oklahoma City, May 20, 2013 .
With the full moon looming behind him, this polar bear nestles down for the night .
Balanced on one leg, a frog assumes the crane kick martial arts stance made famous in the movie The Karate Kid .
RACING through the mountain range on horseback, the Kazakh people practice their ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles .
WITH THEIR adorable big round eyes and fluffy white fur, these baby seals are cute enough to melt any heart .
THESE kingfishers prove no rod is needed as they go fishing for their dinner .