A 27-year-old man has pleaded guilty to a hit and run, which left a Wellington woman with serious injuries.
Anna Chesterfield was walking across a pedestrian crossing when Jade Mark Harris hit her and drove away.
In an exclusive TV interview, Anna Chesterfield told Newshub she forgives him.
Chesterfield is still lying in a hospital bed, almost three weeks after she was run over on a pedestrian crossing.
She broke at least six bones, some in her face.
Her right leg was shattered. She says she feels "like a baby again" as she has to relearn how to walk.
CCTV footage obtained by Newshub shows her approaching a pedestrian crossing in Taita seconds before she was hit by a car.
The impact flung her body 15 metres down the street.
Chesterfield doesn't remember much of what happened.
"I just remember being on a silver bonnet."
People nearby raced to help her - and Chesterfield says she's grateful.
"I'm just thankful to the people who helped me and saved my life."
The footage shows the silver car driving away
Behind the wheel was Harris. The 27-year-old pleaded guilty on Thursday to careless driving causing injury, failing to stop and driving while forbidden.
The summary of facts shows Harris was using his cell phone at the time and that he had his two young children in the car. He told police that he was half-blind and that he hadn't seen Chesterfield.
Despite her injuries - Chesterfield says she forgives him.
"I think he's a person who made a mistake and yes I am angry at the behaviour but I am not angry at the person."
Harris will be sentenced in May. Chesterfield, a single mother of two boys, will still be recovering
"I just want to be able to play with my kids and do the things I am used to doing," she told Newshub.
After taking her first small steps today, that wish is inching closer.
