A postman who sexually assaulted multiple women has been jailed after one of his victims tragically died by suicide while on the phone to Royal Mail management, a court heard.
Michael Stewart, 63, of Amble, Northumberland, was convicted of 12 offenses including sexual assault, harassment, and exposure, and sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison. He will also be on the Sex Offenders’ Register for life.
Newcastle Crown Court heard that Royal Mail had received numerous warnings about Stewart's behavior, but he was allowed to continue working. Five women came forward with complaints, and tragically, one woman took her own life during a call with a Royal Mail manager, while another has since passed away.
Judge Robert Spragg condemned Stewart's actions, stating, "No sentence I pass can undo the harm that has been caused." He acknowledged the bravery of the women who testified against Stewart, noting that he hid his predatory behavior behind a facade of respectability.
The victim who died by suicide had made a statement against Stewart in December 2021, detailing how he had grabbed her shirt, looked at her breasts, kissed her, and exposed himself to her on three separate occasions.
In her statement, she described suffering from sleep and eating problems, being on medication, and experiencing thoughts of self-harm and suicide.
Judge Spragg highlighted the direct link between Stewart's actions and the victim's death, saying, "Her own victim personal statement referred to self-harm and suicide and she was actually on the phone to Royal Mail management when she ended her life showing a clear causal link...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."
A Royal Mail spokesperson called Stewart's crimes "abhorrent" and apologized to the victims and their families. They stated that they have commissioned an independent review and implemented changes, including a campaign on sexual harassment and workplace culture, new reporting tools, and clearer codes of conduct.
Detective Constable Anthony Gourley of Northumbria Police described Stewart as a "calculating and dangerous predator" who abused his position of trust. He praised the courage of the victims who came forward, and acknowledged the tragic loss of two victims before the case was concluded.
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