Hit-and-run wrecks disabled learners car (From This Is Wiltshire)

Hit-and-run wrecks disabled learners car

8:44am Tuesday 11th December 2007 in

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THE hunt is on for a hit-and-run driver who wrecked a disabled learner driver's specially-adapted new car.

Ryan Callier, 20, was due to take his driving test in January.

But yesterday a mystery driver ploughed into his new Ford Focus, which is thought to be a write off, and then sped away.

Now Ryan and mum Sharon, who live in Ermin Street in Stratton St Margaret, are hoping someone saw the smash on Parsonage Road and can help police track down the driver.

“When I saw it I was just gobsmacked that something could do this much damage."

Sharon Callier

"There is no way a car could have done this amount of damage," said Sharon.

"It had to be a lorry - and whoever did it would have known what happened.

"When I saw it I was just gobsmacked that something could do this much damage.

"Someone must have seen or heard something. We're just praying someone out there has the information we need."

Ryan lost his right leg in a car accident three years ago.

He had been cycling on the A361 when he was hit by a car. He was in hospital for months and now has an artificial right leg.

Earlier this year he started to learn to drive.

In May he bought a new Ford Focus, had it specially adapted and mum Sharon was taking him out for driving lessons.

With his special car out of action it is unlikely he will take his test next month.

"When I had my accident everything was taken away from me," said Ryan.

"And when it came to cars I was hesitant and really quite edgy for a while.

"But getting my own car was me starting to see things looking up. Now everything's back down again.

"If someone saw what happened I'll be relieved because we might then be able to get an apology.

"But for now everything's on hold."

Sharon said: "The car was a bit of freedom for Ryan.

"He was trying to get a bit of his life back by getting out a bit more. That's why he was learning to drive.

"That's all just gone out of the window now."

It is thought the smash happened between 11.30am and 12.15pm yesterday. Anyone with information can contact Sharon on 07795 468933 or PC Liam Winstone of the Northern Road Policing Unit on 0845 408 7000.