A teenager charged following an early morning hit-and-run in Dunedin has pleaded for forgiveness.
The 19-year-old Dunedin man handed himself into police after a 17-year-old youth was hit by a car and dragged along George St about 2.30am on Sunday.
Police charged the 19-year-old with assault, reckless driving and failing to stop and ascertain injury, Senior Sergeant Darryl Lennane said.
An apology, attributed to the teenager, was posted on social media and said the incident would ''haunt me for the rest of my life''.
''I would like to say to everyone I am deeply sorry,'' the Facebook post said.
''I never wanted it to end this way, I just wanted my brother to be safe. I know it doesn't change [anything].
''I'm so, so, so sorry to the family and friends of the person I have harmed ... all I wanted to do was split up the fight. I'm not one to hurt anyone.''
Police said the hit-and-run followed a confrontation between two groups of people in George St, near Moray Pl.
It was unclear whether the victim was involved in the confrontation, police said.
The vehicle, a white Mitsubishi Legnum station wagon, was later found discarded at Chisholm Links, St Kilda, by another driver who had followed it.
''I know it's not going to make up for what I have done,'' the 19-year-old's post continued.
''I just wanted to let you know how I felt and how sorry I am. I hope he [the victim] is OK.
''I am truly sorry.''
The male victim had surgery on his leg after the incident.
The 19-year-old was bailed and will appear in the Dunedin District Court on Friday.
