Photo / Tracy NealMedical child abuse was described by Crown prosecutor Mark O’Donoghue as a recognised form of child abuse where a child received “unnecessary, potentially harmful medical care” at the instigation of a caregiver. The first charge alleged that between February 28 and September 10, 2019, the woman intentionally engaged in conduct likely to cause adverse effects to the health of the child. The sixth charge alleged ill-treatment between October 7 and November 30, 2020. The seventh charge alleged that between November 11-27, 2020, the woman wilfully caused a disease in the child, namely polymicrobial sepsis by deliberately contaminating the central line. She was previously RNZ’s regional reporter in Nelson-Marlborough and has covered general news, including court and local government for the Nelson Mail.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 17, 2026 06:37 UTC