Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Asian widow says racist campaign left her 'mentally unwell'

Kumudini Nicola has endured harassment, including dog waste left on her doorstep, vandalism, and thefts from her garden.

Asian widow says racist campaign left her 'mentally unwell'

AN Asian widow in Darlington said that she has been living in constant fear due to ongoing anti-social behaviour and suspected racist abuse.

Since moving into her council house three years ago, Kumudini Nicola has endured harassment, including dog waste left on her doorstep, vandalism, and thefts from her garden.


The 58-year-old has reported the incidents to the police and Darlington Borough Council, but the abuse continues.

"I can’t go out now. I am scared all the time," she told the BBC, recounting incidents where she was verbally abused about her skin colour and had someone urinate in her garden while laughing.

Originally from Sri Lanka, Kumudini has four children and has been living alone since her husband's death in 2017. The persistent abuse has severely impacted her health, causing high blood pressure and mental distress, leading her to contemplate suicide.

"My blood pressure is really high and my hands are shaking all the time. I’ve got mental problems now. I can’t sleep," she was quoted as saying.

"Sometimes I am thinking about suicide."

Despite the council's claims of taking action, a BBC investigation revealed that councils in north-east England received over 31,000 reports of anti-social behaviour in 2023 but issued penalties in fewer than 1 per cent of cases.

Darlington Borough Council said, "We can confirm we have followed up on issues raised by the tenant and taken action where appropriate. Investigations are ongoing and we continue to work with the tenant.

"We take all reports of anti-social behaviour, racism and hate incidents very seriously. We use the whole range of powers and tools available to us as a landlord, taking appropriate, swift, and proportionate action when necessary.

"We aim to strike a balance between prevention, early intervention, support, and enforcement."

The charity ASB Help criticised the inadequate use of legislation meant to tackle such behaviour, highlighting that victims are being failed by those who should protect them.

A Labour Home Office spokesperson emphasised their commitment to addressing anti-social behaviour, including plans for 13,000 new neighbourhood police and community support officers.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less