Parents of murdered tourist meet other victim

Karen Aim (pictured left with her parents) was murdered by Jahche Brougton (inset) in January 2008. Photos / Glenn Jeffrey, Supplied

The parents of murdered Scottish backpacker Karen Aim have met Zara Schofield, who was assaulted by Jahche Broughton 12 days before he carried out the Taupo murder.

Brian and Peggy Aim, of the Orkney Islands, met Zara, 19, after hearing she had been brutally assaulted by the man who pleaded guilty to killing their daughter.

Ms Schofield, 19, was repeatedly hit with a rock as she walked home from a party in January 2008.

Within a fortnight Broughton had killed Ms Aim, 26, with a baseball bat , as she walked home in the early hours of January 17.

The Aims told Ms Schofield, who still has nightmares about the attack, "Don't feel guilty - try and move on".

"When we first met it was difficult to know what to say to each other but we've spoken to each other quite a few times since then," Ms Schofield told the Sunday Mail newspaper.

"It's hard not to feel guilty that I survived while Karen died but Brian told me I shouldn't feel that way.

"I know what he was saying but it's going to be so hard to move on from what happened.

"I still feel really angry at Broughton - at what he did to me and for killing Karen. I still have horrible dreams about that night."

Trainee chef Ms Schofield and Ms Aim worked together for a month, at a pub where Ms Aim waitressed when she first arrived in Taupo.

Mr Aim told the Sunday Mail he was moved by the meeting.

"We're devastated that Karen is dead but grateful that Zara is still alive," he said.

"I know she feels guilty but she shouldn't. We also know if the boot was on the other foot Karen would have felt guilty too.

"We've met Zara a few times. It was a little awkward at first but we've built up a friendship and want her to be happy and get on with her life."

Broughton pleaded guilty at a pre-trial hearing in Auckland last month to murdering Miss Aim, 27.

He was only 14 when he bashed Ms Aim, who was found by police after they were called to investigate a vandalism spree at Taupo Nui a Tia College.

She was taken to Taupo Hospital but died a short time later.

Broughton also pleaded guilty to injuring Ms Schofield with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

- NZPA