Relieved Ranger 'vindicated'

Rene Ranger. Photo / SNPA.

It was the two words rugby star Rene Ranger had waited three years to hear - not guilty.

And as he walked free from the dock, relief was clear on the faces of those who have stood by him since he was charged with assaulting chef Jason Dick outside the Mangawhai Tavern in 2009.

After hearing three days of evidence a jury took just 90 minutes to consider their verdict and pronounce those words he had waited so long to hear.

Ranger was supported in court all week by his father, Roland, and girlfriend, Kimberly Te Haara. His mother, sister and other family packed into the public gallery to join them as the verdict was returned. Some cried, others applauded as Ranger walked free.

Ms Te Haara told the Herald her partner of nine years was nervous as he prepared for court yesterday. They had spent hours the night before discussing which way the jury would go and comparing his case with other high-profile trials.

Roland Ranger said the saga had impacted heavily on his son's life. He had spent a significant amount of money defending himself.

Mr Ranger doubted his son would have had the same experience had he not been a well-known rugby player. The case had affected his ability to travel and play the game he loved, and it had held up the pursuit of his sporting dreams.

Ranger was described by family as a man of few words but after the verdict he held a brief media conference at the office of his lawyer, Arthur Fairley.

"It's been a tough three years for me. It feels like I've been vindicated," he said.

"I'd like to carry on with my life and concentrate on my career. I'd like to thank my friends, my family and my employers."

Ranger's agent, Simon Porter, said the court case had had a huge impact on the young star.

"I think you could see when Rene spoke that it's had a big impact. But, he won't let on how much of an impact it's had. Playing a test match would be pretty easy compared to what he's been through in the last four days."

Ms Te Haara said each morning she dropped Ranger off at court, leaving him for the day. She could not see him during breaks; she wasn't allowed to take him food or drink. He was off limits.

But Ms Te Haara said guards down in the cells at court took good care of Ranger and treated him well. Making the week slightly easier was the fact that the guard tasked with sitting alongside Ranger each day is also a Northland representative and the pair had played against each other.

Just hours after the verdict, Ranger joined Northland teammates at the Maungakaramea Domain to watch them play Auckland.

Ranger was in a team tracksuit, gumboots and a beanie and looked relaxed and happy as he chatted to teammates and coaching staff.

He watched the game alongside injured prop Ross Wright and Blues coach John Kirwan, cheering and clapping when his team scored their first try about 10 minutes after kickoff.

Auckland won the match 37-28.

ON TRIAL
Prosecution
Rene Ranger was accused of punching Jason Dick in the face, knocking out two front teeth and then stomping on his head.

Defence
Ranger said he acted in self-defence, trying to avoid a sudden dive tackle from Mr Dick, who went face-first into the concrete and was responsible for his own injuries.

Verdict
Not guilty.