Moko’s killer lodges appeal

A man jailed for the killing a three-year-old Taupo child is appealing his sentence.

David Haerewa, 43,was sentenced to 17 years in prison at Rotorua High Court on June 26 for killing and torturing Moko Rangitoheriri while he was placed in his care.


Tania Shailer and David William Haerewa were sentenced to 17 years prison for the death of Moko Rangitoheriri. Photo: Matt Shand/FAIRFAX NZ.

David's lawyer filed papers with the Court of Appeal on Friday, following his co-convicted partner Tania Shailer's appeal earlier last week.

Shailer, 26, and Haerewa were last month both jailed for 17 years after Moko died while in their care, a case of child abuse that caused outrage throughout the country.

Moko died on August 10 last year after sustaining multiple blunt force injuries while in the couple's care.

A post mortem revealed the injuries inflicted on Moko were so severe it shocked New Zealand.

When he was finally brought to Taupo Hospital by paramedics after weeks of abuse 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.


Moko Rangitoheriri. Supplied Photo.

SunLive reported yesterday how Shailer is arguing she was driven to violence by the little boy's bad behaviour and so she shouldn't have to spend so long in prison.

Her lawyer is appealing saying the sentence was 'manifestly excessive”.

During the sentencing her lawyer Ron Mansfield read out a written submission to the court that the stress placed on his client had driven her to the crime and it was a mitigating factor when it came to her sentencing.

Justice Sarah Katz sentence of 17 year sentences is the longest punishments for manslaughter in New Zealand.

Arma Ngapo-Bipscombe, lawyer for Moko's mother says Nicola Dally-Paki was upset by the grounds for the 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.

'My client is disgusted at any suggestion that one of the grounds of appeal may suggest that baby Moko contributed to the torture he received in Shailer and Haerewa's care.

'The blame for their horrendous actions fall at their feet. They alone are responsible. They are despicable people.”

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3 comments

After...

Posted on 25-07-2016 16:23 | By penguin

...what Shailer and Haerewa put the defenceless Moko through, they don't deserve anything less than the sentences handed down. But they are both likely to get further


See no evil hear no evil

Posted on 25-07-2016 16:25 | By The Sage

So these two losers are both appealing a manslaughter conviction that should have been a murder conviction. I hope they extend their sentences. Unbelievable, just who do they think was responsible for this terrible act? Throw the key away.


That's right blame everyone else

Posted on 25-07-2016 18:30 | By The Sage

So they say it's poor little Moko's fault because his behaviour upset them. He is the child, you two were meant to be the caring adults and you sadly let him down and are now blaming him for your own despicable behaviour. As for your solicitor's...I wonder if it was their child that this had happened to that they would hold the same view. Shame on the lot of you. Take responsibility for once in your lives.


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