Michael Stewart, 63, used his postal rounds to prey on women—his crimes led to a victim’s tragic suicide.

A former postal worker described as a “calculating and dangerous predator” has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison for sexually assaulting women while making deliveries. Michael Stewart, 63, from Amble, Northumberland, used his trusted position to target his victims, leaving them traumatised—and, in one tragic case, driving a woman to suicide.

Stewart’s reign of terror was exposed after a victim came forward in November 2021, leading to his arrest. Further investigations revealed that he had assaulted multiple women during his postal rounds. He was charged with 10 counts of sexual assault, three counts of indecent exposure, and one count of harassment with fear of violence. After a nine-day trial in November 2024, he was found guilty of eight counts of sexual assault, along with all other charges.

Two of Stewart’s five victims tragically died before he was convicted. One of them, according to the victim’s family, took her own life as a “direct result” of his actions and Royal Mail’s failure to act on previous complaints against him. Newcastle Crown Court Judge Robert Spragg agreed, acknowledging that her suicide was linked to Stewart’s abuse and Royal Mail’s inaction.

In a heart-wrenching statement read to the court, her family said: “We blame Stewart’s offending … for her mental state and eventual suicide.”

One of Stewart’s surviving victims recalled how he initially seemed “nice and friendly” before his behaviour took a sinister turn. She described the moment he walked into her home under the guise of delivering a package and grabbed her breast.

She reported the assault to Royal Mail, but instead of alerting authorities, they dismissed the complaint, allowing Stewart to continue his predatory behaviour unchecked. “They just swept it under a rock,” she told the BBC.

Following Stewart’s conviction, Royal Mail issued a public apology to the victims and their families, acknowledging the devastating consequences of his actions.

“These crimes were abhorrent and had significant, and in some cases, tragic consequences for the victims,” a spokesperson stated.

The company has since launched an internal review and implemented changes, including a sexual harassment awareness campaign, new reporting systems, and stricter conduct guidelines for employees.

Detective Constable Anthony Gourley, who led the investigation, praised the courage of Stewart’s victims for coming forward.

“Michael Stewart is a calculating and dangerous predator who abused his position to target his victims and subject them to traumatic ordeals,” he said.

“He has been brought to justice thanks to the extraordinary strength and bravery of those he abused. Tragically, two of his victims died before seeing Stewart convicted and sentenced.”

Gourley urged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward, reassuring them that they would be supported.

“Regardless of when the offences took place, we are here for you. We are committed to supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice.”

Stewart’s sentencing may bring some closure, but for his victims—and the family of the woman who took her own life—the scars of his crimes will remain.