Family plea to yobs - leave him alone

RELATIVES of a disabled man victimised for a year by yobs today pleaded for him to be left alone.Over the last 12 months David Scott, of Timperley Road, Hadleigh, who suffers from rheumatism and arthritis, has endured: Three stolen bicycles Eggs thrown at his house His front door tried to be set on fire Weed killed in his pond killing the fish.

RELATIVES of a disabled man victimised for a year by yobs today pleaded for him to be left alone.

Over the last 12 months David Scott, of Timperley Road, Hadleigh, who suffers from rheumatism and arthritis, has endured:

Three stolen bicycles

Eggs thrown at his house

His front door tried to be set on fire

Weed killed in his pond killing the fish.

Today his sister Elaine said the acts were those of "totally heartless" yobs.

But despite all of the vandalism, it is the theft of the bikes - two of which were taken this year - that has angered Ms Scott the most.

Mr Scott, has lived in his social service-leased accommodation for ten years, has great difficulty walking. However, he finds cycling much easier and he always used to bike to his job at the Co-op in Hadleigh.

Ms Scott said: "He loves cycling. I've been in Ipswich before and I have seen him there and asked him how he got there and he said 'on my bike'.

"He will have to buy another one now. He doesn't have insurance and they aren't cheap."

Ms Scott added that she was disgusted with the situation and called on social services to re-house her brother.

She said: "We have had enough of this. He just wants to be left alone to get on with his own life. He wouldn't hurt anybody. I'm concerned about his well-being and safety.

"It's not the sort of thing you want to see happening to your brother. What's going to be next?

"I would say to the people who do this 'what would you do if it happened to you?' How would they feel if people pinched their stuff and vandalised their home? It's just terrible."

Mr Scott said he was going to replace the bike again to save him from walking to and from his job.

A spokesman for social services said they were working with Babergh District Council - who leases the flats to them - to find a more suitable home for Mr Scott.

The spokesman added: "We are entirely convinced he should be re-housed and we are we are acting as an advocate for him to try to get him a housing move with Babergh."

Police said they were aware of the bike thefts and would appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

Those with information should call Dc John Peddelti at Hadleigh police on 01473 613500 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.