Case #040 - Delcelia Witika

The presiding judge described the death of Delcelia Witika as one of the most disturbing cases of child abuse to come before the High Court. David Mcloughlin covered the case.

Delcelia Witika's mother and stepfather were both were sentenced to 16 years in jail, for her manslaughter.

A judge described this case as the most disturbing to come before the High Court.

Delcelia was just two years old when she died as a result of peritonitis, caused by blows to her stomach.

Former Herald journalist, David McLoughlin, recalls covering the case and the dramatic revelation of a video showing the couple partying while the toddler was at home dying.

Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details