A DISABLED man has told of his shock after thieves stole his specially-adapted car in west Belfast.
Patrick Hughes - a brother of Hollywood actress Geraldine Hughes - said he could not believe anyone could be so callous.
The 54-year-old, who lives at Arundel Walk off the Grosvenor Road, has used the modified Renault Clio for the past two-and-a-half years.
The thieves who broke into the vehicle on Monday night would have been aware of its importance to him because they threw his disability badge to the ground before making their escape.
The car was recovered yesterday in the Gortmore Park area of Lisburn and is expected to be returned to its owner today.
Mr Hughes suffered a stroke while waiting for a kidney transplant 10 years ago this month.
It left him on a life support machine for two weeks and paralysed down his left side and with a brain injury.
Nine months later, he underwent a kidney transplant thanks to a family member.
Speaking to The Irish News yesterday, he said without his car he feels isolated.
He said he had last used the vehicle on Monday night, returning home at around 6.45pm.
He went to bed, but when he woke at 8am the next day he looked out the window and realised his car was gone.
"I was a bit bewildered," he said.
"It is quite important. I can take a wee drive.
"They are opportunist thieves who saw a car, saw money.
"I feel like a prisoner in my home. That's how I feel."
Mr Hughes' brother Eamonn said the family were "very frustrated and angry" about the theft and branded those responsible "low lifes".
He said his brother had been left feeling very isolated as a result.
"It has had a devastating effect on his daily life," he said.
"You can't put it into words."
Geraldine Hughes, who has appeared in US films including Rocky Balboa alongside stars such as Sylvester Stallone and Clint Eastwood, also made an appeal on social media on Tuesday night about the theft.
"Whoever stole my disabled brother’s car in Belfast. Off Grosvenor Road. You are a disgrace. You will be found. And arrested. My brother is now confined to his home until he can get a replacement."
