The 30-year-old was born with cerebral palsy quadriplegia, and is unable to communicate verbally or be independently mobile.

In the early hours of yesterday David was cut off from his ability to connect with the outside world, after his disability vehicle was stolen from outside his Newstead home. It was later found dumped and torched outside the childcare centre at Techno Park.

The specifically modified vehicle, which was not only expensive but also difficult to source, was the only means the Cox family had of transporting David.

David’s father, David Cox snr, said he was at a loss to decide what steps to take next.

‘‘When we finally found a vehicle it was fantastic, it completely changed David’s life,’’ he said.

‘‘To not have it, it’s just going to have such a big impact. He could get out and about more, [he had] more freedom.

‘‘It’s just such a huge setback, especially at this time of year. Surely they must have realised, it was obvious that it was for a handicapped person.’’

The vehicle was insured, but the only advertised disability vehicle that would suit David’s needs would cost the family $15,000, more than double the money they will receive from insurance.

David’s aunt Belinda Cox has been helping the family since Mr Cox snr suffered a stroke last November.

Ms Cox said the family had been using the disability vehicle for five years.

‘‘It was only after his mother passed away from cancer that this was all implemented for David and little David so that he had some form of socialisation after his mum left,’’ she said.

‘‘That’s what broke my heart the most, the fact that someone’s been so selfish and deprived him of his only way out.’’

Source: The Examiner, Launceston