Man jailed for killing toddler

Kyle Skerten during his manslaughter trial. Photo / Northern Advocate

A Northland man who admitted more than 20 serious drug charges, and was found guilty of the manslaughter of a toddler, has been jailed for nine-and-a-half years.

Kyle Skerten was sentenced today at the High Court in Whangarei.

In June, Skerten, 23, of Kerikeri, was found not guilty in the High Court at Whangarei of murdering Riley Osborne but guilty of his manslaughter.

Riley died in Auckland's Starship Hospital two days before Christmas 2008 after being admitted with fractured skull which led to brain injuries.

The Crown said the injuries were caused either by being hit with an object or having his head smashed against the floor.

During the trial, Skerten pleaded guilty to 23 methamphetamine and cannabis-related charges, including supply and possession of pseudoephedrine for manufacturing methamphetamine.

Justice Hugh Williams sentenced Skerten to two-and-a-half-years imprisonment on each of the drugs charges, to be served concurrently with a nine-and-a-half year sentence for manslaughter.

- NEWSTALK ZB, NZPA