Bashing victim forgives her attackers

Ericka Rancourt was at the Auckland District Court yesterday as her assailants admitted attacking her. Photo / Dean Purcell

Ericka Rancourt watched as four North Shore teenagers pleaded guilty yesterday to bashing her with metal bars ... and felt only forgiveness and sorrow.

The 23-year-old student was walking home early on January 15 last year with her friend Oskar Carroll after dinner when she was attacked so violently that she nearly died.

Her skull was fractured and she had bleeding on the brain.

Ms Rancourt was one of the random victims of Harlem Kirton, Piri Kirton, Jono Wilson and Ruaumoko Taiapa during their violent rampage through Takapuna armed with three metal bars.

Restored to full health, Ms Rancourt sat in the Auckland District Court yesterday and watched as the four pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery, causing grievous bodily harm, assault with intent to rob and wounding with intent. They will be sentenced on October 1.

Ms Rancourt said the fact she and the others attacked that night were alive was something to be thankful for.

"Death was so close for all of us. We were really lucky."

Ms Rancourt, who is studying communications at Auckland University of Technology, did not know what she would say if she met her attackers.

"I feel sorry for them and actually forgive them. I hope they learn a lesson in there [jail]."