What happened to Carly Wealleans at Royal Mail?

Carly Wealleans, a Royal Mail postwoman, died by suicide after reporting sexual harassment and assault by a colleague, and experiencing a lack of support from management.

Who is Michael Stewart, involved in the Royal Mail case?

Michael Stewart is a former Royal Mail postman who was jailed for six-and-a-half years for sexually assaulting and harassing five women, including Carly Wealleans.

Did Royal Mail fail Carly Wealleans?

Yes, an inquest and subsequent investigations found that Royal Mail failed in its duty of care, did not adequately address her complaints, and did not create a safe working environment.

Home / Crime and Justice / Tragic Inquest: Postwoman's Suicide After Abuse

Tragic Inquest: Postwoman's Suicide After Abuse

11 Dec

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Summary

Postwoman died by suicide during a call to Royal Mail HR.
Employee faced escalating harassment from a colleague.
Managers admitted failing to protect the victim.

Tragic Inquest: Postwoman's Suicide After Abuse

A Royal Mail postwoman, Carly Wealleans, died by suicide in March 2022 while on a call with her HR manager. An inquest heard that her death was a direct result of escalating sexual harassment from a colleague, Michael Stewart, and the company's failure to adequately address her concerns. Her GP noted that workplace stress was the primary factor contributing to her distress.

Stewart, a postman with over 20 years of service, was subsequently sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison for sexually assaulting, exposing himself to, and harassing five women, including Ms. Wealleans. The sentencing judge emphasized that her death was a direct consequence of his actions. An independent investigation revealed significant failures within the Morpeth Delivery Office, including a lack of proper record-keeping and managers' misunderstanding of consent.

Royal Mail has acknowledged its duty of care failures and apologized for not protecting Ms. Wealleans, calling her death a 'significant wake-up call.' The company has since implemented reforms to improve workplace culture and reporting mechanisms. Tragically, Ms. Wealleans' younger brother, Sam, also passed away last September while running a race in her memory.