Heartache family targeted by thieves

BURGLARS have piled more misery on a Hathershaw family who were desperate to ring in 2013 after a year of heartache.

Thieves crept into their Thatcher Street home and stole wheelchair-bound Joseph Mulligan’s wallet, his wife Linda’s purse and their son Damian’s wallet on Boxing Day, while the family watched TV.

The criminals escaped with over £600 of cash, credit cards and documents.

But the emotional cost was much higher, says their daughter Victoria.

“This has devastated my mum, she can’t bring herself to see or speak to anyone,” said Victoria.

“This is the third time they’ve been burgled in 13 months. They took my dad’s car last time, and it seems someone has just walked in and taken the wallets and purse from the kitchen. It’s awful.

“This year has been terrible for us. My dad lost his leg earlier this year due to illness and he’s now in a wheelchair and been in and out of hospital.

“My mum fell and broke her pelvis so she’s been in and out of hospital. They’ve both had to give up their jobs because of my dad not being well and they’re really struggling financially. This is the last thing they need.”

Victoria says Damien, who came over from Ireland with his partner and six-year-old daughter Lily to spend Christmas with his mum and dad, had to fly home early to sort out his finances after all his credit cards were stolen, along with his driving licence.

“The knock-on effect is huge,” added Victoria. “It’s caused so many problems.

Police are investigating.