A "disgusting" postman who abused his position to grope multiple women, with one of his victims tragically taking her own life, has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison.

Michael Stewart, 63, targeted several women while making deliveries in Northumberland, as revealed by Newcastle Crown Court. Two of his five victims have since died, with Judge Robert Spragg stating that one took their own life as a direct consequence of Stewart's actions and Royal Mail's failure to address complaints against him.

One victim told the BBC that Royal Mail failed to take appropriate action against Stewart. The company has since apologized and stated it has implemented changes. Stewart, from Windsor Terrace in Amble, was found guilty of 12 offenses, including sexual assault, exposure, and harassment.

In a statement read to the court, the family of one victim said they blamed Stewart's actions for her mental state and eventual suicide. The woman's mother described their lives as "destroyed" by her death, which she attributed to both Stewart's behavior and Royal Mail's inaction.

Judge Robert Spragg acknowledged that multiple factors contributed to the woman's suicide but expressed his conviction that her death was a direct result of Stewart's actions. He emphasized that had Stewart not behaved in this manner, the woman would not have suffered the severe psychological harm leading to her loss of life. The judge also stated that Royal Mail's inadequate response contributed to her distress.

Another victim expressed feelings of guilt, anger, and sadness that two of Stewart's victims took their own lives. She described his transformation from a "nice guy who delivered the post" to someone she feared and had to hide from. The woman called Stewart "disgusting," stating he had "tainted lives."

The court heard that the woman complained to Royal Mail about Stewart sexually assaulting her but, after being initially moved, was soon returned to his route. Another victim, who has since died, stated she had "trusted" Stewart as a "Royal Mail person" and he took advantage of his position. She recounted how he ogled her chest before blocking the door to prevent it from closing and grabbing her breast.

Judge Spragg described Stewart's actions as an "appalling catalogue of abuse" against lone women for his own "sexual gratification." He highlighted that Stewart was popular and "hid in plain sight behind a facade of respectability," making his victims afraid to report him due to his status. When they did, Judge Spragg added, they were not "listened to properly."

One victim, whose identity remains protected, told the BBC that Stewart initially seemed "really nice and friendly" but one day grabbed her breast while delivering a package. She said she told him to stop but he was "not even bothered by what he'd done," adding: 'He said that I wanted it. I didn't. I didn't encourage it. That's the bit that upsets me.'

The woman stated she complained to Royal Mail but they failed to inform police and merely "swept it under a rock." She is now seeking compensation from Royal Mail.

Detective Constable Anthony Gourley described Stewart as a "calculating predator" who "abused his position and subjected his victims to horrific ordeals." He commended the victims for their courage in coming forward, expressing sadness that two of them did not live to see justice served.

A Royal Mail spokesperson stated: "These crimes were abhorrent and had significant, and in cases tragic, consequences for the victims. Stewart abused his position of trust. We would like to publicly apologize to the victims, their families, and to others who were targeted." The firm emphasized that protecting people is its "utmost priority" and it has followed the recommendations of an independent review.

"We implemented changes across the organization," the spokesperson said, "including a multi-year campaign on sexual harassment and culture in the workplace, new internal reporting tools, and clearer codes of conduct and expected behaviors."

A restraining order banning Stewart from contacting his three surviving victims was issued indefinitely. Full inquests are pending.