Driver forgives hammer attacker

A Wellington man who attacked a taxi driver with a hammer in the grip of methamphetamine addiction is disgusted with himself and credits his time in prison for saving his life.

Riki William Tangira, 28, had been at a party in October 2015 when he called a taxi.

The taxi turned up about 2.20am and Tangira got in the back seat. As the driver began to back up, Tangira smashed him in the head with a hammer, hitting his face.

As the offender lined up for a second blow, the driver jumped from the taxi and ran off.

Tangira took the taxi’s float, the driver’s wallet, phone and keys, doing it all in full view of the CCTV camera recording him.

After several long months in custody and going through the court process, Tangira finally pleaded guilty to aggravated robbery and wanted a restorative justice process.

The driver, who had been left with a cut to his cheek, swelling and bruising, wanted that option too. It was at this meeting that he forgave Tangira.

In a letter to Wellington District Court judge Bill Hastings yesterday, Tangira told of how disgusted and ashamed he was by how badly he had behaved.

He said going to jail had saved his life and helped him get his morals back.

The victim, who had initially been in fear for his life, said he did not want reparation from Tangira, but to hear how he was doing.

The judge said it was clear Tangira was remorseful for the ‘‘gutless’’ crime. He jailed Tangira for two years and eight months.

‘‘You take full responsibility and promise to change for the better.’’