Debt despair of disabled woman

George Rickman, brother of Debra Massimo, 46, hit out at the “breathtaking greed and stupidity” of Lloyds TSB for allowing his sister to run up a £9,500 debt when she only gets £138 a week in benefits.

“The local branch knew Debra – her disabilities and what she owes,” said Mr Rickman in the Sunday Mirror.

“But they are still hounding her.”

His attack is the latest call for more responsible lending from banks after fears that people are taking on more debt than they can handle.

Ms Massimo is partially paralysed but is now having to defend herself against bailiffs and potential court action over the debt.

“I feel so sad. I think about it every day. I don’t know what to do,” she added in the same report.