A QUAD bike was stolen from the home of a young farmer paralysed after a bail of hay tumbled on him.

Thieves struck at the farm home of Robert Field, in Cornfield Grove, Burnley, early on Thursday, taking the 22-year-old’s treasured red Honda bike worth more than £3,000.

Robert was left with an amputated leg, broken back, fractured jaw and a severed artery after an accident last September while he worked at Shuttleworth House Farm, Hapton.

He said he used the vehicle to help him get around. He needs help with everyday things but is trying to live as independently as possible.

Last month, his old boss, Geoffrey Eccles, was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay the same in costs after admitting breaching health and safety guidelines.

After the hearing, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) agricultural inspector Lisa Bailey said: “It is essential that all farmers ensure the equipment they are using is well-maintained and inspected to prevent similar tragedies occurring.

“The HSE recommends bales should be stacked no more than three high.”

Last month Robert’s mother Susan told the Lancashire Telegraph that Robert would never walk again but had begun driving.

Sgt Phil Carter, from Burnley police, said the quad bike had since been recovered.