Family First Joins Justice4Moko Marches

Media Release 26 June 2016
Family First NZ is joining the call for a review of child abuse laws and for changes to the legal system to avoid child abuse killers having their charges reduced from murder to manslaughter.
“The case of the killers of Moko having a ‘plea bargain’ to reduce their conviction from murder to manslaughter shows that the legal system is failing to protect children. Anybody who reads how little Moko was treated in his final days can see that this was intentional violent abuse with no surprise that death would be a consequence,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.
“The finger is often pointed at communities to do more and speak up, but politicians and the legal system must also reflect the revulsion that NZ families have towards the violent murders of defenceless and vulnerable children.”
“It is disappointing that the Prime Minister John Key says there is no need for a review of the way child abuse laws are implemented. The public do not accept that view,” says Mr McCoskrie.
“The message has to be clear – if you violently abuse a child in such a way that it results in their death, then it will be treated as murder. Violent child abusers should not get ‘manslaughter’ when the child victim gets a life sentence. Moko’s case continues to set an ongoing and dangerous precedent for other child abuse cases.”
ENDS