4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on Woman sexually assaulted by predator postman killed herself while on phone to Royal Mail
A WOMAN who was sexually assaulted by a predator postman killed herself while on the phone to Royal Mail.
Carly Wealleans was groped by Michael Stewart, 63, who kissed her and exposed himself three times.
Carly, pictured with her tragic brother Sam, killed herself while on the phone to Royal MailNNPPAMichael Stewart has been jailed for his sick crimes[/caption]
The ex-Olympic boxing hopeful called Royal Mail on March 11, 2022, in a “distressed” state and blamed her torment on the company’s failure to deal with Stewart’s offending.
While on the phone with a manager, Carly sadly took her own life.
In a double tragedy, her brother Sam died last September while competing in the Great North Run in his sister’s memory.
Stewart has now been jailed for six-and-a-half years after he was convicted of sexual assault, harassment and exposure against five victims.
Judge Robert Spragg said Carly’s death was a “direct result” of Stewart’s “disgusting” actions.
He added: “Had you not behaved in this manner towards her, it is clear she would not have suffered the severe psychological harm she did leading to the loss of her life.”
The judge also blamed Carly’s state of mind on Royal Mail’s inadequate response to her complaint about Stewart.
In December 2021, she had made a statement to police saying she felt suicidal due to the assault and Royal Mail’s inadequate response to it.
Carly was referred to mental health services but struggled to eat and sleep.
In January 2022, she told police that she had taken an overdose.
Two months later, she made the phone call to Royal Mail where she took her own life.
Newcastle Crown Court heard “calculating and dangerous predator” Stewart used his position as a postman of 22 years to carry out his vile crimes.
Royal Mail had received several complaints about his behaviour but no proper steps were taken to against him and he continued to work.
The firm has since apologised and launched a “high-level” review into the case.
In a victim impact statement, Carly’s mum said the family’s lives had been had been “destroyed” by her death.
One of Stewart’s victims told how he went from a “nice guy who delivered the post” to someone she “had to hide from because I was scared”.
She said she complained to Royal Mail when he sexually assaulted her but, after initially being moved, he was soon put back on her round.
Another said Stewart walked into her home one day while delivering a package and grabbed her breasts.
The woman told him to “get off” but he was “not even bothered by what he’d done”.
She added: “He said that I wanted it. I didn’t. I didn’t encourage it.
“That’s the bit that upsets me.”
The woman said she complained to Royal Mail but they failed to inform police and just “swept it under a rock”.
Another victim, who has also since died, previously said Stewart ogled her chest like a “kid in a sweetshop”.
You're Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “These crimes were abhorrent and had significant, and in cases tragic, consequences for the victims.
“Stewart abused his position of trust. This verdict reflects the seriousness of his offences. We would like to publicly apologise to the victims, their families and to others who were targeted.
“The protection of our colleagues and customers is our utmost priority. Following this case, we commissioned an independent review.
“In line with its recommendations, we implemented changes across the organisation, including a multi-year campaign on sexual harassment and culture in the workplace, new internal reporting tools and clearer codes of conduct and expected behaviours.”
If you are affected by any of the issues raised in this article, please call the Samaritans for free on 116123.
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on How Liam Payne’s heartbroken girlfriend Kate Cassidy is returning to the spotlight with blowdry videos & LA pals
FOUR months after losing the love of her life Kate Cassidy has returned to social media as she begins to navigate life without Liam Payne.
But her attempt to regain some normality following the tragic accident has seen vile trolls accuse her of “never loving Liam at all”.
@katecass / instagramShortly after Liam Payne’s death Kate Cassidy posted a touching tribute on her Instagram page[/caption]
Kate has appeared in other influencers’ videos doing unboxing interviewsTikTok/@kateecassTikTok/@kateecassShe has also posted on her own account with the rescue dog she shared with Liam[/caption]
One Direction fans took offence at a video showing her new haircut
The influencer, 25, had been dating the One Direction star, 31, for two years before he plunged to his death off a hotel balcony in Argentina – just days after she had returned to their shared home in Florida.
Liam had stayed in Argentina while Kate returned home to care for their foster dog Nala.
She was trolled following his death with claims that she abandoned him before the tragic accident.
She said: “Love is so optimistic, and you just hope that everything will work out at the end. Obviously, if I knew, if I could see into the future, I would never have left Argentina.”
Vile comments
Kate, who was a waitress when she met the One Direction star, became an influencer when she realised a normal job was not possible if the romance was to work – and now has 2.5million followers across social media platforms.
Thanks to her large following, she is often tagged by businesses she uses – like her hairdresser.
In a video posted last week by Sniptease, Kate was seen having her hair done and posing to show off the results.
But the innocuous clip was flooded with vile comments suggesting Kate didn’t care about Liam’s death.
One callous comment said “we need justice, in contrast to you” referencing the arrests that took place after Liam’s death.
SuppliedThe video that caused controversy was of Kate getting a new hairdo[/caption]
GettyFans accused her of moving on too quickly from Liam’s death in October[/caption]
And the vitriol directed at grieving Kate is also seen on her own social media pages.
Relationship psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “The problem is she won’t be able to do right for doing wrong when it comes to social media.
“She will still be grieving for him almost four months on, but may feel she doesn’t need to show it on social media. Fans should accept that.
“But they want someone to blame and, like in most celebrity deaths, it’s easier to blame the partner.
“Influencing is her job and being in these videos is slowly returning to that.”
Supportive pals
Kate’s pals have rallied around her while trying to keep her spirits upTikTok/@tiffanyhenriquesfitThe girls have only created wholesome content togetherTikTok/@tiffanyhenriquesfit
She has also been criticised for appearing in a series of TikTok videos with her friends and fellow influencers that show her happy and having fun.
The day after Valentine’s Day, she appeared in an unboxing video with pals Tiffany Henriques and Ali D opening up a charm for their phones.
In it, she is seen smiling and giggling with the other girls as they open the Sonny Angels which have angel wings on the back.
Underneath, vile trolls accused Kate of getting over Liam’s death “quickly” saying, “you wouldn’t think her partner had just died”.
Kate appeared in another unboxing video with Tiffany and another where they make dinner for a girls’ night in, in February.
The girls are also seen making sleep mocktails together as part of a girls’ night. Where, despite all the smiles, it can be seen that Kate still appears to be struggling with her grief.
Jo commented: “It’s all very wholesome and fans need to remember that social media is Kate’s job. She has to return at some point.
“She’s being supported by her pals and you can see that she is still sad.
“Her friends are doing the classic thing of trying to keep her distracted and not referencing Liam in the hopes it won’t upset her.
“And the public should look at what she’s doing in relation to how they’d expect their friends and family to behave.
“After three to four months, people are encouraged to go back to work, and for her, work is public facing.”
Learning to grieve
TikTok/@kateecassKate posted a video of her and Nala together announcing she’d adopted the dog[/caption]
Dan CharityKeeping the pooch close will be helping Kate to grieve, Jo said[/caption]
Relationship psychologist Jo Hemmings said: “It’s natural for people to process grief in different ways and at their own pace.
“Kate moving on or starting to share other aspects of her life on social media after the death of Liam certainly doesn’t mean she’s forgotten or isn’t grieving — it could be a sign that she’s beginning to heal and find ways to live with the loss.
“Public grieving can be complicated, especially under the scrutiny of social media. Moving on (or appearing to) might be a healthy step toward rebuilding her life but it’s also important to remember that what people share online is only a small window into their actual feelings.
“Everyone navigates loss differently — some people find comfort in sharing memories publicly, while others prefer to keep their grief private and gradually re-engage with other parts of life.”
In the first post on her own account that is not directly about Liam’s death, she is seen cuddling Nala outside their shared home, and it’s captioned “from foster to forever”.
She’s added Sparks by Coldplay over the video, which features the lyrics “I promise you this. I’ll always look out for you.”
Influencing is her job, and being in these videos is slowly returning to that
Jo Hemmings, psychologist
Fans flocked to comment on the post, which has been viewed 9.2million times, sharing their love and belief that Liam left Nala to care for her.
Others thanked her for giving them Liam content throughout their relationship and bringing them closer to the musician.
However, cruel trolls posted vile comments questioning if she’d ever “looked out” for Liam.
Commenting on the video, Jo said: “It’s a way of showing her grief, because Nala has become even more important since Liam’s death – like pets do for many people.
“It’s a really sweet way of acknowledging Liam without doing it in an explicit way.”
Moving on
Kate made a tribute to Liam in one video showing her making two mugs for teaTikTok/@kateecassShe showed herself journaling as well as doing her skincare routineTikTok/@kateecass
In her following post, on the 13th January, Kate returned to posting about her daily life, captioning her video “A Simple Day”.
The 39-second clip showed her going to the gym, walking the dog and preparing two cups of tea before making just one.
She also featured a candle with the letters 444 which is considered an Angel number and is said to signify protection and encouragement from the spiritual realm.
It’s a number that has taken on significance for Kate, as she and Liam would write it on notes to each other before his death.
Kate and Liam's relationship timeline
It is clear they fell hard and fast for one another after meeting in 2022.
September 2022 – Liam Payne and Kate Cassidy met in a bar in Charleston, South Carolina and went on a bowling date shortly after.
October 2022: Liam and Kate were seen celebrating Halloween together.
November 2022: They made their relationship public.
January 2023: Kate made their relationship Instagram official.
May 2023: Split rumours surfaced.
June 2023: They were seen together in London in June 2023, dispelling split fears.
October 12 2024: Kate shared on her social media that she flew back to Miami on October 12 while Liam had stayed behind.
October 16 2024 Liam fell to his death from a hotel balcony in Argentinian capital Buenos Aires.
Commenting on Kate moving back to her previous style of posting, Jo said: “She has to move on and the first way most people do that is in their public persona. And there is nothing wrong with that.
“This one about her day still features nods to Liam with two cups of tea and the candle. But she can’t do that forever, she can’t keep focusing on her grief.
“It shows that she’s not clubbing or going crazy. She’s making the point that she’s looking after herself. People are able to see she is looking after herself.
“It’s wholesome, inoffensive content that allows her to decide her next move.”
Reaching out to fans
Just before Valentine’s Day she posted an emotional video thanking fans for their supportTikTok/@kateecassTikTok/@tiffanyhenriquesfitShe has appeared in friends’ social media regularly since the start of 2025[/caption]
Dan CharityJo says Kate will feel responsibility to thank fans on Liam’s behalf[/caption]
Kate’s most recent TikTok is much more emotional than the previous two, as she addressed her fans and their support since losing Liam four months prior.
The one minute 30 second clip was posted just three days before Valentine’s Day, which was likely to be a difficult day for the influencer.
Jo commented: “The recent TikTok videos show Kate’s journey in her grief. She was visibly upset and distressed in her video, talking about her loss and the loss that others must be feeling – and it was really moving.
“It’s not long before Valentine’s Day and even if they didn’t celebrate it, it’s a time we all think about our loved ones.
“And it’s not long after the interview with The Sun where she will have felt incredibly vulnerable, putting everything out there about her relationship with Liam.
“The video reiterated that she loved Liam unconditionally and how much it all meant to her. For her, the interview and this post might be cathartic for her and mark a point for her to start looking at life without him.”
With a shaking voice, Kate says in the video: “Thank you so much for all the love and support.”
She goes on to say: “This was a platform I used for fun with Liam and do the all silly little dances and do our little videos together. I’m so glad I have those memories and that I was able to share that side of our relationship with the world.
“I wish Liam was here to see the amount of love and support he’s received worldwide because it’s what he deserves and what he would have wanted. I’m not the only one grieving right now.
“He impacted so many of you guys, and he really did love his fans.”
Heartbreaking tribute
InstagramShe also addressed her struggles with returning to social media without Liam[/caption]
instagramKate shared a series of photos and videos two months after Liam’s tragic death[/caption]
Kate shared in an interview with The Sun how much she loved Liam
Before returning to post more lighthearted comments, Kate had marked Liam’s passing with two tributes to him on different social media platforms.
In her first posts after his death, Kate posted two different touching tributes to Liam on Instagram and TikTok.
The TikTok featured videos of them being silly together, as well as solo footage of Liam messing around and some of the notes he’d written her.
Analysing the video, Jo said: “It’s been a way for her to acknowledge that she is sharing this grief with millions of fans across the world.
“It’s allowed her to show how their relationship was, especially the good bits. It shows to fans just how much she misses him.
“In a way, that first post back is a way of her doing something on Liam’s behalf, but it can’t stay like that.”
So while her ‘fun’ posts with pals and her blowdry video mark a return to the ‘day job’, Kate’s more emotional messages clearly show she is still caught in the grip of grief.
You can also always speak to your GP if you’re struggling.
You’re Not Alone
Check out these books, podcasts and apps that all expertly navigate grief…
Griefcast: Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians on this award-winning podcast.
The Madness Of Grief by Rev Richard Coles (£9.99, W&N): The Strictly fave writes movingly on losing his husband David to alcoholism.
Terrible, Thanks For Asking: Podcast host Nora McInerny encourages non-celebs to share how they’re really feeling.
Good Mourning by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn (£14.99, Murdoch Books): A guide for people who’ve suffered sudden loss, like the authors who both lost their mums.
Grief Works: Download this for daily meditations and expert tips.
How To Grieve Like A Champ by Lianna Champ (£3.99, Red Door Press): A book for improving your relationship with death.
GettyKate is treading a difficult line with her grief and public persona[/caption]
TikTok/@tiffanyhenriquesfitJo says fans will never be happy with whatever Kate does following Liam’s death[/caption]
4 weeks agoNew York StateComments Off on My nine-month-old stopped breathing after I put her baby seat on the kitchen counter – don’t make the same mistake I did
A DISTRAUGHT mother has spoken out about a traumatising accident involving her child, saying she “still dreams about” the “worst day” of her life.
She urged others not to make the same mistake and told them never to put their baby’s seat “on any surface other than the floor.”
The traumatised mum shared her storyTikTok / @messybunmommy1TikTok / @messybunmommy1Her daughter was rushed to hospital after falling from her kitchen units[/caption]
Mum-of-three Ashley posted the clip to her TikTok page, @messybunmommy1, captioning it the “most vulnerable” post she’s ever made.
Her video has racked up over 4.2 million views already, as grateful parents heed her advice.
Last June, Ashley was cooking with her partner in their kitchen.
Her nine-month-old baby was happily resting in her seat, which Ashley and her partner had placed on top of their kitchen counters.
Describing it as “convenient” and “easy,” they did so regularly, to allow their baby to see what they were doing.
And plenty of unknowing parents do the same thing everyday, unaware of the potential risk.
Horrifyingly, tragedy struck as Ashley said: “In the span of like five seconds my daughter kicked herself back and fell in the seat onto the floor.”
Rushing over to pick their baby up and check her for injury, the traumatised mum said initially her child seemed OK.
But as she held her closer, she felt her baby “tense up” and saw her “eyes roll back.”
Ashley had no idea what to do and called emergency services for help while her daughter seized for a full minute and a half.
Once her child’s seizures stopped, Ashley administered CPR until the emergency services arrived, who were initially concerned her tot could have a broken neck.
A CT scan at the hospital revealed her neck thankfully wasn’t broken, but the child had sustained a “skull fracture above her ear.”
Ashley said they were then let go as the hospital told them there was nothing more they could do to help, and that they were extremely lucky that their child hadn’t suffered a brain bleed.
She says: “Fast forward four months, she’s having seizures again, we don’t know what they’re from – I truly believe it’s from her fall.”
She said since the accident, seeing influencers and other people sit their kids on their counter tops has made her want to “scream from the roof tops.”
Struggling through tears, she told viewers: “I just want people to understand how dangerous it is, how truly your life can change in an instant from one decision – so please don’t let it be this decision.”
Grateful viewers react
Viewers in the comments were quick to praise her brave honesty, and thanked her for sharing her story.
“The bravest and most compassionate video I’ve ever seen. You’ve started a movement that will save lives,” said one person.
“We put our seven-month-old in seats like this all the time on our counter tops. THANK YOU for sharing. We will be making a change after hearing your story!” said another parent.
“As a paramedic and paediatric nurse, please tell your story again and again, because this happens a lot,” said someone else.
“As someone who works in an ER, THANK YOU for sharing this vulnerable post. It will save innocent babies lives. As a mother, I’m virtually hugging you to soothe your guilt. Prayers,” said somebody else.
“Watching this while feeding my nine-month-old in his up-seat on my kitchen island. Will never put him up there again,” commented another viewer.
How to baby-proof your house
IF you've got a baby coming very soon, here's our top tips on how to get your home ready for their arrival...
Secure Furniture and Appliances: Use brackets or straps to anchor heavy furniture and TVs to the wall. Ensure that large appliances like fridges and ovens are stable and cannot tip over.
Install Safety Gates: Place gates at the top and bottom of stairs. Use gates to block off rooms that are not baby-proofed.
Cover Electrical Outlets: Use outlet covers or plates to prevent little fingers from poking into sockets. Ensure that electrical cords are out of reach or secured.
Lock Cabinets and Drawers: Install child-proof locks on cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen and bathroom. Store hazardous substances, sharp objects, and small items that can be swallowed out of reach.
Use Corner and Edge Protectors: Attach soft corner and edge protectors to furniture with sharp edges. Consider using them on low tables, countertops, and fireplace hearths.
Secure Windows and Doors: Install window guards or locks to prevent windows from opening more than a few inches. Use door knob covers and door stoppers to prevent pinched fingers.
Maintain a Safe Sleep Environment: Use a firm mattress and avoid placing pillows, blankets, or stuffed animals in the cot. Ensure the cot meets current safety standards.
Keep Small Items Out of Reach: Regularly check the floor for small objects that could be choking hazards. Be mindful of items like coins, buttons, and small toys.
Adjust Water Heater Temperature: Set your water heater to a maximum of 49°C (120°F) to prevent scalding. Always test bath water temperature before placing your baby in.
Use Baby Monitors: Place baby monitors in the nursery to keep an eye on your little one. Ensure the monitor cords are out of reach to avoid strangulation hazards.
By taking these steps, you can create a safer environment for your baby.
