Supplement to Newsletter
Edited by Eddie Fernandes, eddie@fernandes.u-net.com.
 Printer Friendly Version

DENIS LOBO
Brief Bio

Denis Lobo, denis@wwbusiness.co.uk was born in Nairobi. He is the younger son of Theo and Betty Lobo. His father’s work for the Government took him to Kisumu and Nakuru where he attended primary school before returning to Nairobi. Denis migrated to the UK in 1967 after completing his ‘O’ levels at Highway Secondary School in 1966. He went into IT in 1969. He was a hardware troubleshooter for International Computers Limited until 1984. He served as a director of the G.O.A. for two years in the 80s. Denis set up his own computer maintenance business in 1991 and is now involved in IT consultancy.
Friday, 27 February 2004
'Scared to leave my own home'
By Rachel Sharp

A man who was the victim of an alleged racist attack in the street has said he is too afraid to leave his house.

Denis Lobo, 53, from Hayes was taken to hospital after being attacked outside his home two weeks ago, and said the police have not been in touch since the attack.

He said: "I wanted to go to the shops today to buy some milk, but I couldn't bring myself to leave the house.

"I can not risk it. Not knowing whether these youths will attack again or where they are is too frightening, and nobody from the police has been in touch to say what is happening."

He added: "I have had issues with kids before, and I am always wary, so I usually ignore any racial abuse coming my way.

"But what saddens me is that people so young can be so vicious and so nasty. People shouldn't have to live in fear for their lives and their families' lives.

"I am afraid to go out again now. I am in pain and I am in a no-win-situation.

"I have lost already, and it bothers me that people should have to feel like this in their own home. I think I could have been given more support."

Mr Lobo was attacked on February 13 near Lansbury Drive in Hayes.

Neighbours dialled 999, and one woman pulled up in a car and also called police from her mobile.

Mr Lobo said: "When the police arrived I was in a daze.

"I tried to talk to the police and explain what had happened but I was in shock."

He added: "I am sure the police are doing what they can but what really surprises me is their response.

"I did get a letter through from the victim support group, but to have no follow-up call from the police I thought was very bad.

"I couldn't even bring myself to call them so my wife called last week to see what was happening with the case and if they had arrested anyone yet.

"She left a message last Thursday and still no-one has called back."

Chief Inspector Mick Morris, from Uxbridge police station, said: "We apologise for any additional distress that may have been caused to Mr Lobo by officers not getting in touch with him sooner, but the case has been proceeding and we have been trying to speak to other witnesses to this crime.

"Two people have been arrested and released pending forensic examinations, and we are in the process of taking statements from others involved.

"Community beat officers will be doing additional patrols in the area and officers on the case will be getting in touch with Mr Lobo.

"We endeavour to keep in regular contact with victims of crime and apologise again that this didn't happen in this case."

He added: "We do treat race crime very seriously and go to great lengths to bring criminals to justice, exploring every avenue possible."
Goan Voice designed by Goacom Insys Pvt. Ltd., Goa
and funded by donations from the world-wide Goan Community.
Email: bindiya@goacom.com