Second Moko killer appeals

Both of the people convicted of killing Moko Rangitoheriheri have lodged appeals against their sentences.

David Haerewa lodged an appeal against his sentence on Friday last week. Tania Shailer, Haerewa’s partner lodged an appeal against her sentence last week also.

Both pleaded guilty to Moko Rangitoheriri’s manslaughter and were sentenced to 17 years in prison in June. It is thought to be the longest prison term ever handed out for a manslaughter charge.

Haerewa’s lawyer Harry Edward said he had been instructed by his client not to speak to media.

On Thursday Arama NgapoLipscombe, lawyer for Nicola Dally-Paki, said Moko’s mother was upset by Shailer’s appeal.

‘‘My client is absolutely devastated that the woman who killed her baby would put the family, including the children of Shailer and Haerewa, through another painstaking event,’’ NgapoLipscombe said.

Moko’s death was caused by the systematic torture unleashed on him by Shailer, and her partner, Haerewa.

Moko was kicked, thrown, dropped face first on the floor, bitten, stomped on, had faeces rubbed on his face and was denied medical care.

A date is yet to be set for Haerewa’s appeal.