“He said, ‘I want your car keys … and I want your money’”: Wheelchair-bound man knocked from his chair, robbed by youths tells of his ordeal

UPDATE: Police have charged a person involved in the alleged robbery of a 67-year-old, wheelchair-bound man at his home

Jimmy Marshall, who was robbed in his Malak home by a group of young people overnight. They smashed through a glass door, knocked him from his wheelchair and bashed him before driving off in his car. Picture: Glenn Campbell

• Wheelchair-bound man bashed in his home as thieves steal car, in brazen night time attack

UPDATE: A 14-year-old boy has been charged with aggravated robbery for allegedly breaking into a 67-year-old, wheelchair-bound man’s home on Tuesday.

NT Police said the boy was charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated unlawful use of motor vehicle, aggravated unlawful entry and criminal damage.

He will appear in court today.

EARLIER: A 67-YEAR-OLD wheelchair-bound man has told the NT News he was helpless when thieves smashed through the glass door of his home and charged at him overnight.

Jimmy Marshall said he had been knocked to the ground by a punch to the face during the frightening attack at 2.46am yesterday, in which a group of young people broke into his Malak home and demanded he hand over his car keys and money.

The group then sped off in his car, which is his only way of visiting his wife each day at the nursing home she lives in.

Mr Marshall said he now had cuts all over his body and a black eye as a result of the assault.

“He shone a torch right at my face (through the glass door),” Mr Marshall said.

“He said, ‘I want your car keys and I’ll leave you alone and I want your money,’ I said, ‘I didn’t have anything,’ next thing – smash.

“I thought I was still pretty safe, I thought the glass panel was bullet proof, so when it smashed – he came through so fast and punched me in the face.

“I’m a bit of wreck at the moment but I’m still in one piece so it’s not too bad.”

Jimmy Marshall, who was robbed in his Malak home by a group of young people overnight. They smashed through a glass door, knocked him from his wheelchair and bashed him before driving off in his car. Picture: Glenn Campbell

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Mr Marshall said another man had then stood over him while two other people rummaged through his home looking for the car keys.

“It’s beginning to sink in a bit that I don’t have a car and they’ve got my phone,” he said.

“Not having a car and not having a phone and being in a wheelchair is not much fun.”

NT Police Duty Superintendent Tony Deutrom said the group had then allegedly stolen Mr Marshall’s car keys and fled in the car, which had a wheelchair attached.

A crime scene was in place yesterday as forensic police investigated the scene.

One neighbour said they had heard sounds and noises last night.

They said Marshall Crt was normally a quiet street.

But despite this, most gates into properties are chained and padlocked.

Jimmy Marshall, who was robbed in his Malak home by a group of young people overnight. They smashed through a glass door, knocked him from his wheelchair and bashed him before driving off in his car. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Mr Marshall’s Mazda 3, with a hoist attached to it, was found abandoned in Karama after police received reports of a vehicle hooning through the suburb.

Police have possession of the car and the Serious Crime Unit is investigating.

The offenders have been described as young men aged between 17 and 21.

Supt Deutrom said the attack on the man was appalling.

“It’s very disappointing and no doubt terrifying for the victim. Being woken to the sounds of someone trying to break in and being wheelchair-bound and then being confronted would be terrifying,” he said.

Jimmy Marshall's car., which was stolen in the ordeal, as it was recovered by police. Picture: NTPFES

Police investigate the crime at Mr Marshall’s Malak home. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford

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Supt Deutrom said detectives were calling for witnesses and asked anyone with information to come forward by calling police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and quoting reference number 9470963.

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