Norwich mother-of-two “robbed of lifeline” after yobs smash her mobility scooter
Karen Bishop, who has Stickler Syndrome, with her vandalised mobility scooter.
Photo: Bill Smith
Peter Walsh
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
6:30 AM
A woman who suffers from a genetic condition which affects her joints said she has been robbed of her “lifeline” after yobs smashed up her mobility scooter.
Karen Bishop, who has Stickler Syndrome, with her vandalised mobility scooter.
Photo: Bill SmithKaren Bishop, who has Stickler syndrome, a progressive condition which affects the body’s collagen and can lead to osteoarthritis, left her scooter at Norwich bus station on Saturday lunchtime before joining a friend on a trip to Great Yarmouth.
The mother-of-two, from Foulgers Opening, off Ber Street, Norwich, returned at about 8pm to find her scooter had been vandalised.
She said: “I found it smashed to bits – the whole front of it was in pieces.
“I was absolutely gobsmacked because I didn’t think that would happen where it was – it was in the public eye.”
Mrs Bishop, who had not left the scooter in a bike shed as she could not guarantee she would be back by the time it closed, said she had been left devastated by the incident.
She said: “I’m absolutely gutted.
“It’s my lifeline because it gives me the opportunity to see my kids, my parents and friends and without it they have to come to me.
“I can’t get very far without it.
“I don’t think whoever has done it has realised what they’ve done – they’ve taken my freedom away. I’m stuck indoors without it.”
Karen, who turned 40 on Monday and is on benefits, said she was unlikely to be able to afford to buy another scooter.
She does not even know if she will be able to get it repaired.
She said: “I’m going to have to get someone out to have a look at it but don’t know how much it will cost. I don’t think I’ve got the money to fix it.”
Police are appealing for information after the scooter, which was parked at the side of the YMCA in Winalls Yard, was vandalised sometime between 3pm and 8.10pm on Saturday.
A police spokesman said that someone damaged the control panel, disconnected wires and broke the front lights, leaving the machine unusable.
Anyone who has any information should call police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Have you got a crime story? Call Peter Walsh on 01603 772436 or email peter.walsh@archant.co.uk
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13 comments
To Yvonne Bolton comments, proof you comment on something you NO knowledge of. Yes I do know a bit a bit real disability, for a starter, I am quadriplegic, have been for many years, I for one disabled person could NOT get on a bus and have a day out in Gt Yarmouth, no I do not grudge in anyway anyone doing that, I do think that if someone is capable of doing that (and easily) there is no need whatever to moan as that person did, thus getting real disabled people a bad name, also encouraging comments from people with no knowledge of others disabilities. Note some comments about her clubbing, I cannot vouch for them but like to think there is no smoke without fire.
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Paul Platten
Thursday, August 16, 2012
These scooters should only be free to use for people with a registered disability. 90% of them in Lowestoft are used by people who are just too fat or lazy to walk . These people should have tax and insurance for them. And no, being obese is not a disability in the real world
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DaveG
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Perhaps a one way holiday to a camp in Poland would be ok with you, I am sure they will find something for her to do as after all "work sets you free".
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chasboz
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Perhaps I one way holiday to a camp in Poland would be ok with you, I am sure they will find something for her to do as after all "work sets you free".
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chasboz
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Read what he says Yvonne - how is it she is now unable to visit family & friends locally but perfectly able to travel to Yarmouth for a long day out with a friend? You can't have it both ways.
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Colonel Grumpfuttock-Horseposture (retired)
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
This woman is often seen out clubbing down Prince of Wales Road with her chav daughter, scooter nowhere to be seen.
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Bovis
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
This woman is often seen out clubbing down Prince of Wales Road with her chav daughter, scooter nowhere to be seen.
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Bovis
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
If this was your Mother, Sister, Aunt or Best Friend you would not be make such offensive remarks. This lady has enough to contend with, without snide remarks.
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Carole Ann Holmes
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Paul your attitude beggars belief, so someone on benefits due to health problems are not allowed to have a day out? I bet you think she deserves everything she got don't you? I just hope you are never in a similar situation, boy will you be in for a shock!
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Yvonne Bolton
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
My thoughts exactly Paul,pleading poverty on benefits,but can afford a day out at the seaside with a friend?'Can't get far without it?' she managed to get on a bus and spend several hours without the chair,but since its been vandalised its made her housebound......my heart bleeds ......not!!.
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storm
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
My thoughts exactly Paul,pleading poverty on benefits,but can afford a day out at the seaside with a friend?'Can't get far without it?' she managed to get on a bus and spend several hours without the chair,but since its been vandalised its made her housebound......my heart bleeds ......not!!.
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storm
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
although it is disgusting what has happend but surely she is on mobility why not use that to get anew one that is what it is for she could get good one for the mobility money?????
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pete22
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Count yourself lucky, when yobs stole my wheelchair from my garden we 'phoned police, they took details BUT, did not even bother to turn up or search. Found next day needing many repairs. I do wonder how if you cannot visit near friends, how can you spend a day in Gt Yarmouth without a wheelchair or scooter.
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Paul Platten
Wednesday, August 15, 2012