Child Abusers Sentenced – State Agencies Deny Assistance – Submarine Rescue Continues – Stormy Weather
- CHILD ABUSERS SENTENCED: A mother and her partner have been jailed over the death of the woman’s six-year-old
daughter. The mother was sentenced to five years imprisonment for the girl’s death, from oxygen starvation to the brain
resulting from persistent beatings, while her partner was jailed for 18 months on a cruelty charge. The mother had
suffered abuse as a child as well, and her daughter was the result of a rape. Staff at the girl’s primary school had
noticed she was always fully covered with clothing, even in hot weather, and was reluctant to go home. The girl, who was
at times forced to live in shed, had evidence on the body of severe abuse, including broken ribs and a broken collar
bone.
- STATE AGENCIES DENY ASSISTANCE: The Commissioner for Children Roger McClay has funded the drug rehabilitation of a
suicidal 14-year-old boy, after six state agencies approached by the boy’s mother had refused to help. The cost of the
boy’s rehabilitiatin at Hamner House could cost up to $18,000. Mr McClay said mental health policy is failing young
people. United leader Peter Dunne said the case is an example of muddled beaurocracy. Health Minister Annette King has
told the Health Funding Authority to investigate. None of the agencies the boy’s mother approached would comment on the
case.
- SUBMARINE RESCUE CONTINUES: Two large explosions are now being blamed for the sinking of the Russian submarine, Kurk,
in the Barents Sea. Damage is much more extensive than was previously thought. It is not known if any crew are still
alive, but oxygen may last long enough for a British rescue submersible to reach the submarine in time. Relatives of the
crew are furious about how long it has taken to get the rescue mission underway, and how long it took for Russian
authorities to ask for outside assistance.
-STORMY WEATHER: Stormy weather is working its was up the South Island tonight. Snow, high winds and heavy rain have
caused trouble on the roads, flight cancellations, and some power cuts. Motorists have been advised to stay at home
unless travel is absolutely neccesary.