ZUArdian
For the abuse and the neglect of children, Dana Bernadette Taylor was sentenced to four years and three months' prison when she appeared for in New Plymouth District Court on Tuesday.
A drug-addicted Taranaki woman has been jailed for the physical and psychological abuse of three children - two years after one of the girls took her own life.
Dana Bernadette Taylor was handed a sentence of four years and three months' imprisonment when she appeared in the New Plymouth District Court on Tuesday.
The 34-year-old admitted punching, kicking and pulling the hair of the girls. The violence occurred regularly and was accompanied by name calling and neglect.
Taylor used synthetic cannabis, methamphetamine and marijuana. The drugs would come before the basic needs of the girls, with Taylor failing to provide food, clean clothing and healthcare.
Social workers attempted to help Taylor, who failed to engage with the services.
The three girls were aged between three and six when the offending first came to light.
The girls are now 12 and 13, with the oldest of the three dying two years ago.
Judge Gregory Hikaka said while prosecution was not looking to link the teen's suicide to Taylor's offending, there was an inference which could be drawn due to the "misery" she was living.
One of the girls detailed the daily torment she endured in a victim impact statement videoed by police and played in court.
"I felt like I was the one who would get hit the most," she said.
The 13-year-old said they often wouldn't have a bed to sleep on, food was always scarce, and she had to start school weeks late because her uniform money was spent by Taylor on drugs.
Since having lived with her new guardians, the teen said she had learned how to use a knife and fork, tie her shoelaces and about personal hygiene.
Taylor's childhood was much the same, the court heard. She too suffered through an alcohol and drug-fuelled upbringing, and was often the victim of abuse.
Defence lawyer Paul Keegan said Taylor showed genuine remorse for her offending. "She was really sorry and would do anything to repair the damage she has caused."
Following the girl's death the two other children were taken into care.
It was heard Taylor attended a three-month bridge programme and kicked her drug habit.
Following the programme she was arrested and charged in relation to the offending against the children.
She relapsed into drug abuse and committed dishonesty offending, which saw her remanded into custody until sentencing.
In state-issued clothing, she wept into the sleeves pulled over her hands for much of the hearing.
One woman offered support from the gallery. "Love you, Dana," she called out.
Taylor was sentenced on three charges of assaulting a child, three of cruelty or ill-treatment of a child, and three of ill-treatment or neglect of a child under 18. All of the charges were representative.
