A WOMAN who had her head smashed into concrete three or four times at an APCO service station wants to remain friends with her assailant.
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Court proceedings have prevented Akashia Sharram Bunker, 23, and the victim from contacting each other.
But Albury Local Court has heard they hope to resume their friendship once it’s legal to do so.
Bunker, of Regina Avenue, had been involved in a dispute with the victim in the lead up to the incident, with accusations Bunker had stolen her cat.
Things kicked off at the APCO on Mate Street, North Albury, in the early hours of April 15.
The victim – who was also charged for her involvement – arrived at the petrol station with a group about 12.10am.
Bunker arrived about 10 minutes later and tensions quickly rose inside the store.
The victim punched Bunker in the face outside when she walked over to her.
Bunker immediately retaliated by grabbing the woman by her hair, causing them both to fall to the ground.
They were split up but Bunker continued to yell as the woman walked away.
Bunker pulled her to the ground by her hair and sat on the woman’s stomach before smashing her head into the concrete several times.
She threw hammer strikes at the woman’s forehead and temple about six times before being separated again.
The victim was taken to Albury hospital with a chunk of her hair ripped out.
She was left with pain in her spine, neck and the back of her head, and swelling and bruising to her left eye and forehead.
The incident was captured by security cameras.
Magistrate Michael Crompton said Bunker, who has a young daughter, was on a good behaviour bond at the time.
“This is ridiculous behaviour for a 23-year-old person with a two-year-old child,” he said.
While the victim threw the first punch, police prosecutor Rowen Harris said Bunker “was certainly up for it”.
“This accused was certainly ready for anything,” Sergeant Harris said.
Bunker has multiple prior charges for assault and breaching orders.
She attended the Albury police station nearly two weeks after the fight and made full admissions.
She admitted to using excessive force, beyond self defence.
The magistrate placed Bunker on a community service order with 80 hours of community work for affray.
She will also be on a bond for nine months.
