Postman too 'knackered' to help Falkirk OAP lying in snow leaves his job with Royal Mail

A postman who left an old woman in Bainsford lying in the snow after she had a fall because he was “too knackered to help” has left his job at Royal Mail.
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Thomas McCafferty’s callous actions sparked a huge backlash when it was first reported.

Patricia Stewart had a fall outside her home Farm Street.

Lying in the snow on a cold winter day, McCafferty failed to provide even a token gesture of assistance - and it was left to a passing delivery driver to step in.

Patricia Stewart with her Hermes heroine, Karolina Domska 22. (Pic: Michael Gillen)Patricia Stewart with her Hermes heroine, Karolina Domska 22. (Pic: Michael Gillen)
Patricia Stewart with her Hermes heroine, Karolina Domska 22. (Pic: Michael Gillen)
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The postman stood over the pensioner and ignored her calls for help, telling her that he was too tired to help.

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But he was captured by a neighbour’s doorbell camera - and footage went viral.

In the footage he looks down at her and can be heard saying “I can’t help you pal”, mentioning something about being “knackered” and then walked away.

Patricia Stewart (72) Pi c: Michael GillenPatricia Stewart (72) Pi c: Michael Gillen
Patricia Stewart (72) Pi c: Michael Gillen

The OAP was eventually assisted by Hermes delivery worker, Karolina Domska, 22, who was in the area and she provided the assistance the postman failed to deliver, staying with her and calling for help from neighbours.

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Now ten months later, the postman has been let go from his position at the Royal Mail.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that the individual concerned has left the business. We are sorry for the distress this incident has caused.”

It was the second apology Mrs Stewart has received - hours after the incident a representative from the Royal Mail visited her at her home to offer his apologies.

At the time of the incident, they said: “Royal Mail expect the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times.

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“We regularly remind our postmen and postwomen of the important role they play in their local communities.”

Mrs Stewart’s family were appalled at the postman’s lack of help.

In February, her niece, Sheryl Harkins said: “When I was told about this I couldn’t believe it was true – I thought there must be some misunderstanding. Then when I saw the video footage I was just disgusted.

"It's no way for someone to treat another human being.”

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