Although criminals strike at vulnerable targets in many areas, it is hard to believe that they could stoop so low as to target a disabled man's mobility car.
Patrick Hughes (54) - a brother of Hollywood actor Geraldine Hughes - discovered that his specially adapted Renault Clio was stolen from outside his west Belfast home earlier this week, with the thieves throwing his disability badge to the ground before driving away.
Mr Hughes, who has serious health issues, said he initially felt as though he would be left as a prisoner in his own house, but, as we reported yesterday was hugely relieved when police recovered the apparently undamaged vehicle in the Lisburn area 48 hours later.
However, he had still suffered an appalling ordeal, and the perpetrators, who were plainly well aware of their victim's condition, have demonstrated that by any standards they are callous individuals.
