David Haewera and Tania Shailer have been sentenced to 17 years prison for the death of three-year-old Moko Rangioheiri.
A reporter in High Court in Rotorua says the sentence is a highest someone has been sentenced to on a charge of manslaughter.
Tana Shailer and David Haewera. Photo: Matt Shand/Fairfax NZ.
Both Shailer and Haewera will spend a minimum period of nine years in prison before they are eligible for parole.
Moko was assaulted during a two-month period in Taupo after his mother left him with the couple while she was in Auckland looking after another child in Starship Hospital.
He died on August 10, 2015, with a postmortem examination revealing he'd been a victim of abuse for a number of months.
"Police want to again extend their condolences and sympathy to the family of Moko Rangitoheriri, following the sentencing of Tania Shailer and David Haerewa this morning," says Detective Inspector Lewis Warner.
"Police also want to acknowledge the officers who worked on the investigation into Moko's death.
"Any case involving a young and vulnerable victim like Moko is extremely difficult for all involved, and I would like to commend the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism."
An anti-child abuse protest held in Tauranga today drew people out, despite the wet weather. Photos: Bruce Barnard.
8 comments
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Posted on 27-06-2016 13:42 | By whatsinaname
may as well say they got let off. they will have a roof over there head, three plus meals a day etc etc while Mokos family live with this tradgidy the rest of there lives.In my opinion this sentence is to soft.
Still
Posted on 27-06-2016 14:50 | By Tgaboy
Can't fathom how any mother can leave their children in the care of a relative stranger for months and not make physical contact with them during that time. Considering she was only a few hours away. I have a vote on no confidence in the mothers ability to provide appropriate care. And those facial tattoos do nothing to convince me I'm wrong.
sad
Posted on 27-06-2016 15:36 | By Capt_Kaveman
nz justice system 9years what a joke
If...
Posted on 27-06-2016 18:22 | By GreertonBoy
you ask me, the judge should get 9 years for giving such an absurdly light sentence for such a tragic crime. Why does it never seem that the time fits the crime.... criminals get longer sentences if they steal money from the rich... these nongs stole a kids life??!
We do not
Posted on 27-06-2016 19:50 | By Merlin
We do not need a plea bargaining situation in NZ like there is in the USA if this is the case where will it lead.
@ Tgaboy
Posted on 28-06-2016 07:56 | By Captain Sensible
Totally agree. I could say more but .....
put them on a plane
Posted on 28-06-2016 10:29 | By kurgan
to LA and place them in the middle of the most dangerous gang ghetto and see how long these heroes last
My 2 cents..
Posted on 28-06-2016 14:21 | By Me again
worth, is that the N.Z. legal system for this kind of crime is shot to pieces. Investigation into crime against children are pathetic and the need, no desperate need of changes. I guess that will never happen. So it will probably continue to happen. Those two will probably get out in 9 years and be given the green light to care for someone elses child. God forbid!!
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