A father has been jailed for assaulting his seven-month-old daughter before she died.
David Sciascia, 28, was sentenced to four years and three months in prison on Friday in the Hastings District Court in relation to the death of his daughter Hineteaorangi Maraki.
He was sentenced on charges of child assault and assault with a blunt instrument and wounding with intent to injure/reckless disregard, police say.
"Police, particularly our officers who investigated the case, are deeply saddened by Hineteaorangi's death and the extent of her horrific injuries," says detective sergeant Darren Pritchard.
"While nothing will be able to bring Hineteaorangi back, we are hopeful the arrest and prosecution of Sciascia provides some comfort for her loved ones.
"No child should be the victim of violence, and the horrendous abuse inflicted on children by those who are supposed to protect them is unforgivable."
According to Stuff, Sciascia assaulted his daughter in October 2019. He denied the charge but was found guilty in March.
Srgt Pritchard says police take child abuse reports "incredibly seriously" and will "continue to target and prosecute people who offend against our most vulnerable community members".
"We acknowledge the deep grief felt by her family and we continue to provide support to them as best we can as they come to terms with the sentencing."
Srgt Pritchard says police are committed to preventing harm within whanau.
"We acknowledge it can be difficult to reach out for help.
"If you are a victim of family harm or in a relationship that makes you fearful about your own or anyone else's safety, seek help as soon as possible, you have the right to be safe."
Police ask those facing family harm to call 111.
