A Palmerston woman says her hopes for the future have been "ripped away" after a central Dunedin hit-and-run.
Charlotte Ryan read her tearful statement in the Dunedin District Court this week, detailing her physical and mental hardship as the man responsible, 43-year-old father-of-four Robert James Stewart, stood in the dock.
Before the November 19 incident, Ms Ryan was working as a heavy machinery operator at Macraes — a job she loved but since had to give up — and had been pre-approved to buy her first home.
"This has been ripped away from me as a result of Robert Stewart hitting me with a pink Suzuki Swift."
The story made headlines last year, primarily because Ms Ryan’s ordeal was captured on her dash cam.
As traffic merged in Filleul St, near the intersection with St Andrew St, Stewart hit the right rear of the victim’s red Eunos Roadster.
Stewart later told police he was worried the woman was going to "have a go" at him and he sped off because he was concerned his PTSD may be triggered.
He claimed he did not know he had hit Ms Ryan.
Stewart pleaded guilty to dangerous driving causing injury after a charge of failing to stop and ascertain injury was withdrawn.
Ms Ryan told the court the collision caused her a cracked rib and concussion.
She was prescribed pain medication for a couple of months.
She now struggled to articulate herself, suffered sensory overload and had issues with concentration, all of which meant she could no longer safely operate machinery.
"My life has changed significantly.
"This has been shattering for me."
She was now living with her mother, attempting to get by on the benefit.
Her savings and her confidence were gone.
Counsel Cate Andersen stressed Stewart had no previous convictions and was genuinely remorseful for his actions.
Judge Dominic Flatley said the level of the charge — holding a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment — spoke to the seriousness of the incident.
"The circumstances here are concerning," he said.
The judge sentenced Stewart to 150 hours’ community work and banned him from driving for a year.
He was ordered to pay Ms Ryan $2476.
