The 43-year-old’s offending was described as “deliberate and gratuitous” and the court heard he “blamed” the boy for the offending and had shown no remorse. The man and one of the women arrived late to the hui and a social worker spoke with them at their vehicle. The little boy was covered in bruises, lacerations and burns. She said he had a lengthy criminal history including family violence - but no previous convictions relating to child abuse. Justice Dunningham said the man “blamed” the little boy’s behaviour for the abuse and did not acknowledge his own actions.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 28, 2024 01:19 UTC