‘Trolley Man’ Michael Rogers accused of stealing disabled dad’s car
He was hailed a hero after attempting to stop Sisto Malaspina’s killer last year, but ‘Trolley Man’ Michael Rogers has been charged over a callous theft that has left a disabled dad and his heavily pregnant wife distressed and heartbroken.
Law & Order
Don't miss out on the headlines from Law & Order. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The man hailed a hero after attempting to stop Sisto Malaspina’s killer on Bourke St last year allegedly stole and crashed the car of a Victorian father with a disability.
‘Trolley Man’ Michael Rogers has been accused of being an “opportunistic thief” by Marc McCormick whose gold Holden Captiva was pinched and smashed last week.
Mr McCormick wants people to know the impact the reckless Friday night theft had on his three children and heavily pregnant wife.
“It is heartbreaking,” Mr McCormick, 37, of Wallan, said.
“The person accused of it all, he was heralded a hero.
“It is supposed to be the happiest time of our lives but we’re so stressed.”
Mr McCormick spent the past week trying to raise funds to replace the car, with insurance only covering about a third of the cost. A GoFundMe campaign has been started.
He bought the SUV-style Holden in 2016 to accommodate his growing family and for its height, which made getting around with his workplace injury easier.
“That was supposed to be our seven-seater for when the baby arrives,” Mr McCormick said.
“It was perfect for us. It was my way of getting around.”
Mr McCormick has minimal cartilage in one of his knees and had to stop work a few years ago.
He is now retraining as an IT specialist — a task made harder without access to his vehicle.
Police allege Mr Rogers stole the car from a mechanic’s in Wallan on August 23 and crashed it in Mickleham last Sunday.
He was remanded and will appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
The stress of the theft has left Mr McCormick’s wife distressed to the point of hospitalisation. “It’s been stressful on us all,” he said.
“My son is distressed.”
The father believes the one-time hero was given a chance by Melbourne to live up to his hero label but had not done so.
“Trolley Man was hailed a hero … and given a chance to sort his life out, to change,” Mr McCormick said.
Donations to help the McCormick family get back on the road are being accepted through a GoFundMe.