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Stolen, the computer that lets Jaspar talk
08.10.09
Thieves stole £15,000 worth of specialist computer equipment which a six-year-old boy uses to help him talk.
Jaspar Tomlinson, of Muswell Hill, suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy and depends on a special computer to talk to family, friends and teachers.
But as his mother, Filipa Maia-Tomlinson, strapped him into their car after school, thieves stole the equipment from the boot.
Mrs Maia-Tomlinson, 41, said: "I feel like they took a part of me, because whoever did this has stolen my son's voice."
She said Jaspar had regressed badly since the theft of the PC, which has an infra-red device that lets his eyes act as a mouse.
Reader views (8)
I agree with John and Brian, are the paper aware if the equipment was insured? If not, I think it would be fantastic if the paper (or maybe us?) could set up a fundraising campaign to get the money to buy the equipment? If there is a way I could donate already would be grateful to hear of how.
- Neil Gilbride, Lewisham, London
I agree with John. I would like to donate to help to buy a replacement computer for Jasper
- Brian., East Grinstead
These thieves, like all thieves took advantage of a situation, but in all honesty probably did not realise the importance of what they were stealing. This was not just some high tech electronic equipment, this was the voice and independance of a young child, who has now been deeply effected by this. Why can the insurance company not hurry this along, so this Mother can get replacement equipment as soon as possible to try and repair some of the distress caused to her son.
As for the thieves, I do hope they get news of what they have done, and have some shred of decency to leave the equipment in a place where it can be found by the police. I doubt they will though. Perhaps rather than prison, some community service in a special school would be a better sentence. Then at least they may realise the effect of their actions first hand.
- Smb, London, UK
Give it back you filthy scumbags.
- Dc, London
Is there any way we can donate to raise funds for a replacement computer? I would like to help.
- John, London, uk
Now, this is low, these thieves need to learn what it means to be in this child,s place, 10 years would not be enough time served.
- Space, Bisbee, USA
Welcome to our perverted socialist society. Nothing would happen even if these scum are caught.
- Frank, Home Counties, England.
If the thieves read this article I hope they will have the decency to hand the computer in to the police.
- Judith, KIng's Lynn, Norfolk, UK
