A quadraplegic wept after burglars ransacked his specially-adapted home and stole his means of communicating with the outside world.

Thieves took computer-buff Vincent Francis' nine laptops, one containing his first-year's university course work.

The 63-year-old, studying medical science with the Open University, had the computers programmed with voice-recognition software. He used them to send in work and to email friends, relatives and carers.

He said: "I have a mobile phone but sometimes have to ask someone to punch in the numbers.

"The people who did this should be put in my position and see how they'd feel if this happened to them.

"They can't be normal people.

"I didn't show my emotions when I first discovered the break in but when everyone had left I just broke down. These people can't have feelings like normal people."

The one-time computer network designer lost the use of his legs and was left with only limited movement in his fingers six years ago after tripping over at road works and hitting his head on the ground.

He permanently wears a neck brace, especially tightened. Without it, his head would flop and he would not be able to breathe, swallow or speak. He is wheelchair bound and carers visit him four times every day.

The thieves broke into his home in Goring, Worthing, where he lives alone, while he was having respite care in a nearby home.

They also stole a remote control device which enabled him to adjust room temperature. His body is unable to increase or decrease temperature due to his disability.

They also took a remote control for his TV and a photocopier/printer, essential for his university work.

Mr Francis, divorced with two children, said: "I had an exam in the laptop and my paper is due in on Monday (April 30). I don't know what I'm going to do now."

Detective Constable Lindsey Van Buiter said: "They must have known they were stealing from a severely disabled person.

"This is the most despicable crime I've dealt with since joining the service seven years ago and I am determined to bring the culprits to justice."

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.