A Cardiff pensioner and her daughter have been left traumatised after a vile racist attack on their home shook their sense of safety. Juliette Mbakwe, 79, who moved to Wales at the age of 10, has been a beloved member of the community, working in the NHS and as a supportive force for learning in Cardiff. But now, she, alongside her daughter Chanel, feels like a prisoner in her own home.
On New Year’s Eve, 2024, as they were celebrating the night, they were subjected to a torrent of racial abuse by a man who shouted horrific insults outside their window. This terrifying experience escalated further when the same man, armed with a hammer, smashed their window right in front of police officers who were taking a statement inside the house. Imagine the shock!
Philip O’Connell, the man responsible, was swiftly arrested by South Wales Police officers and later convicted of multiple crimes, including racially aggravated behaviour. He received a suspended sentence with conditions to undergo rehabilitation and mental health treatment.
Chanel, who once dreamt of becoming a biomedical scientist, has put her life on hold due to the stress and fear caused by these repeated attacks. She now has to be her mother’s caretaker, witnessing her struggle with the trauma and lose peace of mind in her golden years.
The family hasn’t received any compensation for this ordeal, and their plight is still very real. They now wear body cameras whenever they step out, living in constant fear of further attacks. Chanel expresses heartbreak over seeing her mother’s vibrant spirit reduced to a state of constant anxiety.
The legal system has stepped in, with restraining orders imposed on both O’Connell and his ex-partner Rachel Kaye, who has also been involved in harassment against Juliette and Chanel. The community, along with organisations, continues to support them and closely monitor the situation, determined to prevent further hatred from spreading in their neighbourhood.
Let’s come together as a community to ensure respect and kindness always triumph over hate. Nobody should ever live in fear. 💔 #StandAgainstRacism #CommunitySupport