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The two women who admitted ill-treating the Wairarapa toddler known as Lillybing have both been handed jail sentences in the Wellington High Court.
Hinewaoriki Karaitiana-Matiaha, who was just 23 months old, died in July last year from a brain injury resulting from a severe shaking by her step-aunt, Rachaelle Namana.
Lillybing also suffered severe burns and bruising to her face, and a severe genital injury for which as yet no one has been charged.
Namana, 28, was sentenced to six years in prison while her sister, Rongomai Paewai, 27, received two years.
Namana admitted a charge of manslaughter while she and Paewai each admitted two charges of wilfully ill-treating the child and two of failing to provide the necessaries of life
The original sentence was eight years for Namana and three for Paewai, but time was taken off for their admissions of guilt.
Earlier the crown argued both women needed lengthy prison terms.
Paewai's lawyer stressed his client did not cause Lillybing's death.
Namana's counsel said that she had had a troubled childhood, and had told her family she had assaulted Lillybing before.
"The child was kept from her for a number of months but then the old practice of leaving Lillybing and her siblings with Namana began again," Val Nisbet told the court.
In sentencing, Justice Durie said there was simply no excuse for the two women not helping Lillybing with the injuries that she had received.
Emotional toll
The police officer in charge of the inquiry says the whole case has taken an enormous toll on his staff.
Inspector Rod Drew says two senior officers quit the force in the wake of the inquiry.
"I've got no doubt at all that this case had an impact on their leaving."
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