Robbery victim still avoids going out at night

Jane Newman is still afraid to go out at night after being robbed in a central city street. Photo / Stephen Parker

A Rotorua mother who was violently mugged in front of her children in a central city street still fears going out at night.

Jane Newman, whose Chinese name is Quin Hua, said she would probably feel that way until the man responsible was caught.

Newman was with her children, aged 9 and 4, on April 18 when she was mugged for money she had just taken out of an ATM at the ASB bank on Amohia St, near the entrance to Rotorua Central.

She was thrown to the ground during the attack, injuring her legs, arms, wrist and head. It happened about 6.15pm with lots of people around.

Newman told the Rotorua Daily Post just after the mugging that she was so terrified she didn't want to leave home.

She said yesterday that she had since returned to work and her injuries had healed.

"I'm doing much better and have to get out because of the children but I try not to go out at night.

"I just hope they can get him soon."

Her husband, Fraser Newman, posted a message on Facebook hours after the attack, appealing for witnesses.

He said he was glad he did it because it had helped him and his wife with support as well as the police investigation.

He said once the robber had been found they intended to take a civil case against him as well as support police with a criminal case.

"We [the Newmans and the police] are looking for him and it is only a matter of time so it's best he hands himself in."

Police have confirmed no one has yet been arrested.