HOW COULD HE ABUSE MY GIRL?

Natasha Schranz, 40, suffered the ultimate betrayal - but she still blames herself

- RACHEL TOMPKINS

When life doesn't work out how you planned, you realise what and who is important. In early 2018, my husband and I had split up after 18 years together and I needed my friends more than ever.

Ricky was there for me, just as he'd always been during difficult times. 'Fancy a takeaway tonight?" he asked, knowing I needed the company. He ordered us pizza - knowing exactly what topping I'd want - and brought round a bottle of wine. We spent the evening putting the world to rights and for a little while it distracted me from my heartache.

I had first met Ricky, then 38, about 13 years earlier when I was pregnant with my eldest daughter, Ellie, and working in a local convenience store. Ricky had worked in a shop nearby and we used to chat when he popped in for his shopping.

We became firm friends anD even when I had Ellie and then three more children, and life was busy, we kept in touch as much as possible.

Now my husband and I had split, Ricky and I were closer than ever. He had a daughter of his own and with my four kids, we all just clicked. We went on a family day out to a theme park and I cheered as he hurtled around on the rides with the kids. We went swimming together, to the beach and the play

Then, as my 37th birthday approached in January 2019, Ellie told me she was going over to Ricky's to make my cake. 'How lovely,' I said. I loved how close they were. 'Be back home by 8pm please,' I added.

But by 10pm, there was no sign of her. I tried her mobile but when she did get back gone 10pm, she just stormed up to her room. 'Ellie!' I called out, but I was met by silence.