14 Apr 2011

Report on serious child abuse case given to minister

9:09 pm on 14 April 2011

Government minister Paula Bennett has a received a report into what she called one of the worst cases of child abuse she has seen.

However, the Social Development Minister's office says the report into the case in west Auckland cannot be made public at this stage.

In January, an inquiry was launched by Ms Bennett and headed by former ombudsman Mel Smith after the nine-year-old's mother was charged with abusing the girl.

The allegations include using a hammer against the child, and tearing off a toenail and pouring salt and boiling water on the wound.

A spokesperson for Ms Bennett says the report cannot be publicly released as a result of legal advice she sought.

Her office says the report may be released in the future when there is a point that it will not jeopardise court proceedings.

The accused woman is to reappear in court in May.