Beating a Baby to Death is Not Manslaughter

15th June 2016

“This is just another example of a dirty backroom lawyer plea deal and it reeks of collusion at its worst” Guthrie

Six-month-old Gracie-May McSorley died after a "backhand blow" from her mother's new partner Michael Te Kouarehu Kereopa. Kereopa was left alone with Gracie-May at a Kapiti Coast house and became frustrated when the baby would not settle to sleep.

Following expert medical advice, police told the court that Gracie's injuries, were equivalent to those sustained in a high-speed car crash, and they were non-accidental and were deliberately caused by the defendant.

“Brain damage equivalent to that of a high velocity car accident is not manslaughter it’s blatant murder“ Guthrie.

She started convulsing and could not be woken. Emergency help was called, Gracie-May was airlifted to hospital and had surgery to help ease brain swelling. However her injury was not survivable and life support was switched off and she died soon after.

“The fact that Crown law has accepted a guilty plea for manslaughter is par for course for New Zealand’s Justice System and is symbolic of New Zealand’s horrific level of child abuse. ”Guthrie.

This is not justice New Zealand style this is Moko Rangitoheriri all over again.
The Sensible Sentencing Trust will do all in its power to ensure the death of all of these innocent children are not in vain and we will turn these babies deaths into catalyst for change.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/80705270/michael-kereopa-pleads-guilty-to-manslaughter-of-baby-graciemay

Scott Guthrie
National Spokesperson Child Abuse
Sensible Sentencing Trust

ENDS

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