Moko’s killers fail in appeal
The Court of Appeal has made clear that being charged with murder or manslaughter can mean life – if the crime fits.
The court’s rejection of Moko Rangitoheriri killers’ bid to have their sentence reduced was released yesterday.
The 3-year-old’s death shocked the nation – shock that turned to anger and revulsion when details emerged of the horrific abuse the toddler suffered before his death in August 2015.
David Haerewa and Tania Shailer were initially charged with murder before pleading guilty to the lesser charge of manslaughter.
They were sentenced to 17 years imprisonment with a non-parole period of nine years – the longest manslaughter sentence in New Zealand history. And now they must serve it. The decision released yesterday rejected five issues raised by Moko’s killers which they believed were not considered when they were sentenced by Justice Katz in June last year.
Crown prosecutor Steve Bonnar, QC, said the decision makes clear that life sentences can be imposed on manslaughter charges.
Moko and his sister were left with Shailer while their mother tended to their brother who was in Starship hospital with an infected leg.
Over two months the toddler endured daily beatings at the hands of Haerewa and Shailer.
When Moko was finally brought to Taupo Hospital by paramedics he had facial and neck contusions and abrasions; human bite marks on the left cheek, right cheek and arms; lacerations to his chin, neck, ears and lip; haemorrhages to both eyes; and multiple abrasions and contusions over the skin of his chest and abdomen.
His bowel was also ruptured, causing infections, making him very weak. He died in August 2015. ‘‘The duration, cruelty and physical depravity of this offending by two adults acting together against a defenceless 3-year-old child placed it within the most serious of cases for which the penalty of life imprisonment is prescribed,’’ the decision said.
‘‘Ms Shailer and Mr Haerewa can count themselves fortunate that they were not sentenced to life imprisonment.’’