Northern Ireland

Family leave home after lengthy campaign of intimidation

Recent damage caused to the home of George Richmond in Dermott Hill in west Belfast.
Recent damage caused to the home of George Richmond in Dermott Hill in west Belfast. Recent damage caused to the home of George Richmond in Dermott Hill in west Belfast.

A family at the centre of a campaign of intimidation which has seen two gun attacks on their west Belfast home have left their house of 30-years permanently over fears for their safety.

George Richmond said they would be staying with relatives and have placed their possessions in storage until they can find somewhere new to live, after the latest attack on his Dermott Hill home.

His daughter, professional singer Georgina Richmond, is also leaving her home after shots were fired at a window of her Springfield Road apartment in the early hours of New Year's Day.

Georgina Richmond
Georgina Richmond Georgina Richmond

Ms Richmond reached the final stages of RTÉ’s Voice of Ireland in 2016 and has since forged a successful career as a Patsy Cline impersonator.

The family say they have received no help from any political representatives, nor has any organisation or group told them why they are being targeted by dissident republicans.

Mr Richmond says he's worried lives will be lost if those responsible do not stop.

In August last year a number of shots were fired at the house, then on December 20, a gunman dressed in a Santa suit and armed with two guns fired 12 shots at the house.

CCTV footage of a gun attack on the home of George Richmond in Dermott Hill in September last year.
CCTV footage of a gun attack on the home of George Richmond in Dermott Hill in September last year. CCTV footage of a gun attack on the home of George Richmond in Dermott Hill in September last year.

Cars have been set on fire and threats issued, with graffiti saying 'Kill All Richmonds' also daubed on nearby walls.

The family spent Christmas with relatives, but on New Year's Eve masked men returned to the house armed with sledgehammers and smashed a security camera before breaking every door and window in the house, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Read more:

  • Small faction responsible for intimidation

Mr Richmond said he has been disappointed at the lack of political reaction to his family's plight.

"I came back to the house to board up all the windows and secure the place but no one came to ask did I need help, we've had to clean it up by ourselves.

"What I would say is that if we can be treated like this, masked men with guns in the street, men armed with sledgehammers smashing up a family home without fear, then who is next?

"We're leaving, but what happens to the next family they take a dislike to and the one after that, so I would say turn a blind eye if you want but bear in mind you could be next".