Nia Glassie abuser denied parole

A parole application by Michael Pearson, jailed for his role in abusing Rotorua toddler Nia Glassie, has been denied.

Pearson, 20, has served 21 months of a three year sentence after being found guilty of wilful mistreatment.

Three-year-old Nia died of brain injuries in August 2007 after suffering a lifetime of abuse at the hands of her family.

In February her stepfather Wiremu Curtis and his brother Michael Curtis received life sentences for her murder while her mother Lisa Kuka was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to nine years.

Michael Curtis' partner Oriwa Kemp was found guilty of ill-treatment and given three years and four months. She was also due to appear before the Parole Board this month.

The board would not release its reasons for refusing Pearson's application, but confirmed it had been declined, the Rotorua Daily Post reported.

Pearson's mother said she was not surprised by the decision but hoped to have her son home soon.

His lawyer Harry Edward said the board likely considered the high level of public interest in the case, but it was rare for prisoners to serve their full sentence.

- NZPA