Family angry as video shows ‘knackered’ postman apparently leaving pensioner on frozen ground after fall

‘I can’t help, pal,’ postman can be heard saying in camera doorbell footage

The family of a pensioner have said they are “disgusted” after a postman allegedly left their relative lying on the frozen ground following a fall outside her home in Falkirk.

Footage captured on a camera doorbell appears to show Patricia Stewart, 72, by her doorstep asking the postman for help.

The Royal Mail worker replies: “I can’t help pal, I’m knackered. Absolutely knackered,” before walking away.

Ms Stewart said she had become dizzy when picking up two parcels that had been delivered.

“The postman was walking away so he didn’t see the fall but I shouted for help and I asked if he could help me get up, but he just said he was knackered and walked off and left me there lying in the snow,” she told the Daily Record.

Her niece Sheryl Harkins, who shared the footage online, told the Scottish newspaper: “When I got told about the situation I thought there must be something not right here, there must be a misunderstanding.

“It wasn’t until the neighbour sent the video footage and I saw and heard it that I realised – it beggars belief. I’m so disgusted.

“Thankfully my aunt’s okay and she was found not long after because it could have been a much more serious situation.”

A Royal Mail area manager visited Ms Stewart to apologise in person, Ms Harkins said.

The niece said: “They asked if she’s okay and he came down to extend their offer of anything they can do to help.

“I told the man that we do not expect to see that guy down here delivering mail ever again.”

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “Royal Mail expect the highest standards of behaviour from our people while out on deliveries and collections at all times.

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

“We were very sorry to learn about this incident, and for the distress this incident has caused.

“We have been in touch with the customer concerned and will be investigating this incident.”