R v Shailer

Tania Shailer and David Haerewa were convicted of the manslaughter and ill treatment of Moko Rangitoheriri, a three-year-old child who was in their care. The court had to determine the appropriate sentences for the severe and prolonged abuse and neglect that led to Moko's death. The legal issues included establishing the starting point for sentencing based on the seriousness of the offending, assessing the relative culpability of the two defendants, and considering personal mitigating factors such as guilty pleas and mental health issues. The court found the case to be among the most serious of manslaughter cases due to the extreme violence, prolonged nature of the abuse, and the vulnerability of the victim. After considering personal circumstances and mitigating factors, the court sentenced both defendants to 17 years' imprisonment, with a minimum period of nine years, for manslaughter and seven years and six months' imprisonment concurrently for ill treatment of a child. This decision reflects the gravity of the crime and aims to denounce the conduct and deter similar offences in the future.