Hit-run robbery victim Jeph Ko tells his assailants they are forgiven, urges them to embrace a second chance at life

An artist who was robbed and run down outside a popular cafe has told his assailants that he forgives them – and that they should all get on with their lives.

Norwood hit-run victim Jeph Ko. Picture: Facebook.

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An artist who was robbed and run down outside a popular cafe has told his assailants that he forgives them – and that they should all get on with their lives.

In the District Court on Monday, Jeph Ko read his victim impact statement aloud to James Michael Watts and Kieran Callaghan-Wight.

He said he continued to endure the physical and psychological consequences of their July 2016 crimes – but that he was ready for the healing to begin.

“I’ve had a lot of emotion toward you guys in this whole ordeal, but now I’m ready to move on and get on with my life,” he said.

“To do that, I have to trust you will learn from your mistakes and get on with your lives, too.

“Despite what you have done, I want you to know you have been forgiven.”

Watts, 31, of Aldinga Beach, and Callaghan Wight, 27, of Glenunga, are to be sentenced for offences including theft and aggravated counts of recklessly causing serious harm.

On July 3, they snatched Mr Ko’s $2500 laptop outside Manto Cafe, Norwood, and drove off – running him over when he gave chase, and dragging him 60m along the road.

James Watts is one of two men to be sentenced over Mr Ko’s injuries.

Mr Ko sustained spinal injuries and his friends started an online fundraising campaign to help him – Watts’ mother, meanwhile, handed the laptop in to SA Police.

On Monday, Mr Ko said his family – some of whom reside overseas – had suffered greatly due to the incident and his injuries.

“Physically, my body is not the way it was and I don't believe it ever will be,” he said.

“Psychologically, I’ve become more paranoid about people I don’t know and I’m afraid of cars … I also worry that bad things could be done to me again.”

However, he said he could not let the incident dominate his future.

“What’s done is done… things happen for a reason, and my being alive has given us all a second chance,” he said.

“I urge you to take the same opportunity – all I ask of you is to be lawful … I wish you all the best.”

Judge Rauf Soulio thanked Mr Ko for his “very gracious” statement, and will sentence the duo on a date to be set.

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