ANGRY student Rebecca Dodds may have to re-sit a year at college after "sick" joy riders stole her car and torched it.The 18-year-old's dreams were shattered when her cherished £400 Ford Fiesta car containing seven months of college work was stolen from Homer Close in Ipswich and set alight in Byron Road.

By Amanda Cresswell

ANGRY student Rebecca Dodds may have to re-sit a year at college after "sick" joy riders stole her car and torched it.

The 18-year-old's dreams were shattered when her cherished £400 Ford Fiesta car containing seven months of college work was stolen from Homer Close in Ipswich and set alight in Byron Road.

It has left the Suffolk College teenager without transport and has hampered her college course.

Rebecca, who is in her second year of her accountancy degree, lashed out at those responsible: "I think whoever did this is sick. They have no respect for people or other people's property.

"They just took my car and trashed it. The car could be replaced, but not my college work. I may have to resit my year as I am only six weeks away from my exams.

"The person, or persons who did this has destroyed everything I have worked for."

It is a triple blow for Rebecca, who only passed her test in February, as she is struggling to get to her two jobs. The lack of transport may force her to quit her telesales job.

On top of destroying the sky blue D registered car, the thugs also set fire to £250 worth of contents including a £100 leather jacket and shoes, which is not covered by insurance.

The theft happened between 10.30 pm on Wednesday night and 12.30 am, when Rebecca was at a friends house.

Police informed her mother in Goldsmith Road and Rebecca's brother broke the news by phone.

"I was absolutely gutted," said Rebecca. "It took me four attempts to pass my test and someone has taken my freedom away."