Men in court over toddler's injuries

A Whakatane toddler remains in intensive care while the two men allegedly responsible for his injuries have appeared in court.

Detective Sergeant Ross Everest said the 2-1/2-year-old boy was admitted to Whakatane Hospital at 8.30pm on Wednesday suffering from severe head injuries.

Harley Mac Wharewera, 19, of Whakatane, faces a single charge of wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and was remanded in custody following a brief appearance in Rotorua District Court yesterday.

Mr Everest said further charges would be laid against Wharewera when he next came before a judge in Whakatane District Court on Wednesday.

Kane Jeremy Tawa, 23 of Whakatane, is jointly charged with Wharewera and faces a charge that while having control of the child, he wilfully ill treated him in a manner to cause unnecessary suffering.

The offending allegedly occurred between August 1 and September 21 this year. Both men were remanded in custody until September 28.

A 23-year-old Whakatane woman was also charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life but has not appeared in court.

There have been discussions between a Whakatane paediatrician and Auckland's Starship Hospital regarding specialist care for the boy. Whakatane Hospital general manager Karen Smith said the boy was still in intensive care.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)