Owners of Kult Klassic Tattoo Studio, Chatham, face threat campaign over body art and 'witchcraft'
06:00, 26 April 2021
updated: 18:20, 27 April 2021
A couple of tattoo artists to the stars say they are the victims of a two-year hate campaign because of their body art.
What started out as car tyres being let down, last week graduated to spray-painted graffiti and a threatening letter.
Paul and Annie Riggs say they are at the end of their tethers with a situation the police aren't able to help with.
The believe they're being targeted by a small number of people in Dagmar Road, Chatham, because of their appearance.
Paul, 49, says he and his partner of seven years are inked "head to toe" which seems to have offended some.
Annie is also a pagan and practises a form of 'witchcraft'.
The couple, who own Kult Klassic Tattoo Studio in nearby New Road are desperate for the campaign to end.
Italian-born Annie, a member of Euro punk band Antonella Klasse Kriminale, first moved into the property in 2006.
But the trouble only started two years ago with cars blocking their vehicle in and their tyres being deflated at least 10 times.
Paul said: "From there it's really escalated. I've had people shouting in the street at 3am 'I will drive you out' and calling me 'baldy'. It's a hate campaign."
He added they're just hard-working people trying to get on with their lives, bringing up their 12-year-old son.
Their tattoo studio is no stranger to famous faces, with visitors including David Labrava from the TV series Sons of Anarchy.
Some 15 years ago, Paul also worked on the late singer Amy Winehouse, but in a different business.
As well as her tattooing and punk music – which is influenced by The Clash and Sham 69 – Annie is also a pagan
In her bedroom, she has an altar with candles and statues where she worships the Mexican saint of death.
Although she is also a psychic tarot card reader, she didn't see the trouble coming because she can only "read" other people.
The 52-year-old explained: "I can't do myself, but I do lots of readings for people from all over, like America.
"I can sense things in other people. To get their loved ones coming through is very rewarding."
Growing up in northern Italy, her mother and aunt were psychics, a gift she says she has inherited.
Paul says the police have been very sympathetic to their plight, but it's hard for them "without catching people in the act".
Last week's letter, which said they should leave "for their own good", has really impacted their son.
"He was very upset with it and seeing the graffiti," Paul added.
To try and make the lad feel better, he has strategically placed items such as watering cans around the property.
This is in the hope a would-be intruder would knock them over and alert the family to their presence.
He added: "Where will it end? We just want to get on with our lives."
Police spokesman James Walker confirmed officers were looking into the most recent incidents.
He said: "We're investigating a report criminal damage was caused to a property at around 3.10pm on Tuesday.
The Riggs describe being subjected to 'a barrage of abuse'
"A threatening letter is also reported to have been sent to the same address.
"Inquiries remain ongoing and anyone with information can contact police on 01634 792209 quoting 46/66202/21."