Media Release from the parents of Terepo Taura-Griffiths

31/08/13

On the 29th of October 2011 the parents and family of Terepo celebrated his 1st birthday; this was a very special day for everyone, Terepo was happy and had lots of fun, cake and many presents.

One week later at Starship Hospital Terepo's life support was turned off, he was surrounded by his family including, unbeknown to us at that stage, the person responsible for his death.

We, Harry and Terepai, take no pleasure in today's guilty verdict, but we have a sense of relief that justice has prevailed.  This verdict culminates 20 months of anxiety and grief.

Baby Terepo had a very special grandmother and great grandmother, both of whom were deeply affected by the circumstances surrounding his death, sadly neither of them lived long enough to see justice for their grandson.

We will now attempt to rebuild our lives and move forward from this nightmare, starting with our baby son's unveiling.

We would like to congratulate and thank Crown Lawyers Christine Gordon QC and Kirsten Lummis for all their hard work and many hours.

A very special thanks and acknowledgement goes to Detective Sergeant Colin Higson from Counties Manukau CIB. The family are extremely grateful to Colin and his team for their meticulous work and resolve to get justice for our baby Terepo.

The family also wish to thank Melissa Martin and Jacqui Briggs from Victim Support for being there for us over the last 20 months, but in particular all their support and assistance during the 5 week trial.

We also acknowledge that this has been a traumatic experience for witnesses and Jury members, we thank you all.

We now ask for privacy as we try to move forward from this nightmare.

Harry and Terepai

ENDS

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