Latest fromAssault and Homicide

Parents accused of torture appear in court
A couple accused of torturing their nine-year-old daughter appeared briefly in court this morning.

Three life sentences for UK's Crossbow Killer
A former top student who murdered and cannibalised his victims has been sentenced in a Leeds courtroom.

CYF: Dead girl's mum was trying to rid her life of violence
The mother of a girl, 5, found dead in her bed after an alleged assault was trying to escape violence in her life.

Sex abuse charge in torture case
New claims emerged last night that the nine-year-old girl allegedly tortured by her parents was also sexually abused while in Child Youth and Family care.

Threat to public considered in pursuit, inquest told
A road policing boss says police did not breach policy by continuing a pursuit during which an innocent Auckland was shot dead.

Fourth shooting on Gold Coast
A woman has been shot in the leg in the fourth shooting incident on the Gold Coast this month.

Couple died from knife wounds
Blood-soaked carpet and household items have been removed from the home of an Auckland couple found dead after the woman's 14-year-old sister called 111.

Child-torture case horrifies minister, sparks fury over bail
Family advocates are angry that a couple charged with the abuse and torture of their 9-year-old daughter have been released on bail.

Attempted murder charges for cop's alleged attackers
The two teens accused of a brutal machete attack on a police officer are to be charged with attempted murder.

Home detention for killing husband
A multiple sclerosis sufferer who shot dead her husband has avoided a prison sentence.

Four-year-old's killer freed
The killer of four-year-old James Whakaruru has been released from prison, despite multiple Parole Board reports claiming he remains violent and dangerous.

Bodies found after teen's call
An Auckland couple were found dead in their home after a panicked 14-year-old called 111.

Knox judge agrees to review key evidence
Amanda Knox's appeal against her 26-year sentence for the murder of Meredith Kercher received a massive boost yesterday.

Child torture case: What the mother told officials
The mother of a tortured girl allegedly told authorities she was at a tangi 'down south' to prevent anyone seeing her injuries.

Pair found dead in Auckland suburb
Police were this afternoon continuing inquiries into events leading to the deaths of a man and a woman overnight after a reported domestic incident.

Ex-league star named as alleged assailant
Sydney police have charged a Kings Cross hotel security guard, believed to be former high-profile rugby league player John Hopoate, following the serious assault of a man in a Kings Cross street.

Killer accused visited by son
Murder accused Brad Callaghan has been allowed to see his 5-year-old son in prison.