Children's fear keeps victim from home

A woman assaulted in the Hutt Valley three weeks ago says her three children's fear is all that is stopping her from returning to her home, despite threats against her.

"If it was just me I would not budge but I have to to consider my kids," Rebecca Brunning told the Dominion Post newspaper.

She is staying "somewhere safe" until she finds a new home.

Police are investigating the sending of a threatening letter, Lower Hutt Youth Court was told yesterday.

Judge Antony Walsh told two women and a 16-year-old girl the court would not tolerate witness intimidation, although he accepted they personally might be blameless.

Letters had been cut from a magazine or newspaper and stuck to a sheet of paper saying,"You're dead hoe". Ho is a slang insult.

A relative had received other threats telling her that she was next, Ms Brunning, 36, said.

Ms Brunning suffered a fractured eye socket, broken nose and severe bruising in the alleged assault on June 16.

Kristyann Tairakena, 19, and her sister Emily Tairakena, 17, were yesterday remanded on bail until August 25 on charges including wounding Ms Brunning with intent to injure her.

A warrant was issued for the arrest of Toni Te Aroha Nathan, 22, who is also charged with wounding.

A youth whose charges include wounding with intent to injure is to reappear in court on July 21. She is free on bail.

- NZPA