Woman, 65, faces race charge after golliwog complaint by neighbour

Jena Mason, 65, will appear before Lowestoft magistrates on Tuesday following the alleged incident in August, Suffolk police confirmed.

According to reports, Mrs Mason, of College Lane, Worlingham, was arrested after her black neighbour Rosemarie O’Donnell complained about the doll being displayed in her window.

“We have had a complaint from a member of the public, we have investigated it and both the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and ourselves have agreed there is enough to prosecute,” a police spokeswoman said.

James Hartley, solicitor for Mrs Mason, said she intended to plead not guilty to the charge.

“It is an innocent act which has been interpreted in a completely different way,” he said.

“She does not accept that she acted in a racial manner. It is a large house and she lives there with other members of her family and there is a grandson who is 16 months old. She was tidying up the toys.”

He added: “She is devastated by what is going on.”

He added that there had been a “history” of difficulties between the Mason family and their neighbours, the O’Donnells.

He said the offence carried a maximum penalty of a fine of £2,500 and can only be tried in a magistrates’ court.

The bad blood is said to have stemmed from a dispute over plans by Mrs Mason and her husband to build new stables on their land.

The move is opposed by the O’Donnells who hired a planning consultant to object to the application. They have also complained about the Masons’ dogs allegedly coming on to their land.