Zac Guildford faces attack victims

Zac Guildford has offered sincere apologies to the people of the Cook Islands for his ``unacceptable'' actions.

Disgraced All Black Zac Guildford last night met the two men he punched at Trader Jacks last Friday night (NZT) to apologise personally but is still facing a harassment complaint made by a top female triathlete.

Private meetings of about 30 minutes were held with each of the people Guildford offended and his apologies were well received, according to All Blacks psychologist Gilbert Enoka.

But a top female triathlete has formally complained to police about being harassed by a drunk and abusive Guildford  and says she will not let it be brushed under the carpet.

Kelly Pick, a New Zealander who lives in Rarotonga, has declined to meet Guildford after she came across the 22-year-old while out for a run.

She says he was already drunk and yelled sexually offensive comments to her despite the fact that it was in the morning.

She said she feared for her safety and hid in a dairy after being followed down the street.

``I was running along and a couple of guys on motorbikes were driving erratically and dangerously past me.

``Then one turned around and drove back and forth past me yelling profanities and yelling pretty inappropriate things to me.''

The 29-year-old athlete and occupational therapist instantly recognised him as Guildford.

``They were quite clearly intoxicated by the way he was driving and behaving. He probably went past about six times calling out these inappropriate things to me to the point where I did start to get quite concerned about his behaviour.''

His mates rode away but he kept coming back and kept up with the insults. She went into the dairy and pretended to buy a drink so he would leave her alone. However, Guildford did not leave for some time.

``I was really pissed off that someone could have the audacity, no matter who they are, to treat people like that.

``He was clearly intoxicated but that's not an excuse to make people feel unsafe and to make such derogatory comments. It wasn't cool.

``I guess the sad thing about this case is that he's apologised in the past for his behaviour and it just keeps happening.

``I would like to see some repercussions for his actions just so he learns that it is not appropriate.''

She didn't know what punishment she wanted, only that he be held accountable for his actions, which is why she made a complaint to police.

Police took a statement from Pick yesterday and told her they would be in touch.

Superintendent Aka Matapo said Guildford would be spoken to but could not confirm when.

Mr Enoka yesterday contacted Pick to arrange a meeting, which she declined. She told the Herald she would be willing to meet Guildford today.

Mr Enoka said the other meetings were positive and Guildford's face-to-face apologies were received superbly, because he was genuine and real.

Guildford was still recovering from his physical injuries and because of that would not be fronting media to apologise publicly for his behaviour. ``He wants to stress that he apologises most profusely to the people of the Cook Islands for his actions last Thursday. He knows that what he did was unacceptable and all he can do is offer his sincere apologies.''

Mr Enoka said there was no immediate plan for Guildford to leave Rarotonga. He declined to answer whether police required Guildford to remain in the country while they investigated Pick's complaint.

Guildford's drinking began mid-morning on Thursday with Steinlager and tequila, a source told the Herald.

The day that ended so badly began at the Muri Boating Club where Guildford downed lager and shots before noon.

Sonny Bill Williams last night showed support for his All Black teammate, tweeting: ``Thinking of my boy Zac Guildford in these tough times. Head up son.''

After a string of alcohol incidents during his early career, Williams became a Muslim and no longer drinks alcohol.

Additional reporting Cook Islands News