James Whakaruru case

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  • James Whakaruru is born.

    James Whakaruru is born.

    His mother is 16-year-old Te Rangi Whakaruru.
  • 1996 - Benny Haerewa jailed for nine months for abuse Te Rangi and James Whakaruru.

    1996 - Benny Haerewa jailed for nine months for abuse Te Rangi and James Whakaruru.

  • Benny Haerewa assaults four-year-old James Whakaruru

    Benny Haerewa assaults four-year-old James Whakaruru

    Haerewa punches James and kicks him in the stomach, chest and back, at one stage standing on his chest. He chokes James by putting his hands around his throat and hits him with a small hammer, a jug cord and a vacuum cleaner hose.
  • 4-year-old James Whakaruru dies after a beating a pathologist described as merciless.

    4-year-old James Whakaruru dies after a beating a pathologist described as merciless.

  • Haewera pleads guilty to manslaughter

    Haewera pleads guilty to manslaughter

  • The Children, Young Persons and Their Families agency and Commissioner for Children announce they will jointly investigate James' death

  • Benny Haerewa sentenced to 12 years jail for manslaughter

    James' mother is sentenced to 21 months' jail for permitting the ill treatment of her son, and six months for assaulting him with a jug cord.

  • Children's Commissioner says James was let down by the State, which failed to protect him.

  • Coroner concludes inquest into James' death

    The coroner says more information sharing is needed between the various government deparatments and voluntary organisations dealing with child abuse.

  • Child Youth and Family and Plunket agree to work more closely together to prevent another case like James'

  • Benny Haerewa due for release

    Benny Haerewa due for release

    He will have served 11 years of his 12 year sentence.