Stan rides high again

Alex de Vos
A mystery benefactor has given an 87-year-old Lara pensioner back his freedom after reading in last Friday’s Independent how a thief had stolen his motor scooter.
The donor, who did not want to be identified, bought Stan Barmes a new scooter this week to replace the $5000 vehicle stolen from his carport last week.
The benefactor said the story had “touched their heart”.
Mr Barmes said he cried when he heard about the anonymous donation.
“I’m so wonderfully grateful,” he said.
“What can I say? It’s absolutely fantastic that someone would do that.
“It will make life so much easier. I’ll be able to go out and visit my wife in the nursing home quite nimbly.”
Mr Barmes said he had increased security at his home to prevent another theft.
“I’ve got locks everywhere now.”
Mr Barmes told the Independent last week that he was “devastated” when he discovered his scooter missing. He said he had suffered trouble walking for “some time” and had no other transport.
“I can’t walk more than 50 yards and my legs ache like mad if I try to walk any further.”
Police Senior Contable Craig Atkinson urged anyone with information to call Crimestoppers or the Lara station.