Thieves deprive boy of wheelchair

Ryan needs his wheelchair to get about

Heartless thieves have deprived a disabled west Belfast boy of his specially-adapted wheelchair after they stole the family car with the chair in it.

Ryan Dorrian, 14, has spina bifida, hydrocephalus and scoliosis and needs the specialised chair to get out and about.

The family saved up for months for a car and on Friday night they presented their father, Bernard, with the keys to a second hand Ford Escort.

But about 48 hours later the car, containing the wheelchair, was stolen from Mr Dorrian's flat at Aspen Drive, Twinbrook.

It was later found burned out in Glengormley, County Antrim.

Ryan's father says his son is now virtually a "prisoner in his own home" as a replacement for the £3,000 chair is not readily available.

Bernard Dorrian: Thieves are "lowest form of life"

"The fact the wheelchair was in the boot, it was clearly visible. I just didn't believe that anyone would come along and steal it," he said.

"I think they're the lowest form of life. They knew the wheelchair was in the car."

His mother, Michelle, who is recovering from major surgery says those responsible have left her son with nothing other than pain.

"Ryan is in a lot of pain because his body is collapsing," she said.

"There was little enough joy in his life and he fights to get through every day."

Arrested

She said it would be months before a similar wheelchair could be made by staff at Belfast's Musgrave Park Hospital.

Mr Dorrian said the chair was on loan from the hospital and parts for a new one would have to be obtained from around Britain and assembled in Belfast.

"I'd like to know what joy these people got from taking a car with a wheelchair in it," she said.

Ryan said he hoped the people who stole the car would be arrested.

Anyone who has any information about the incident is asked to contact the police on 02890650222 or used the Crimestoppers number on 0800 555111.