22 Feb 2014

Not guilty verdicts on child killing

7:00 pm on 22 February 2014

The lawyer for the man who has been found not guilty of the murder of his his two-year-old step daughter says nobody has won in the trial.

Michael Martin was found not guilty on all charges of murder, manslaughter and of ill treatment of a child in relation to the death of Leilani Lotonu'u.

The Crown said Mr Martin inflicted fatal injuries on Amy Lorigan's daughter while Ms Lorigan was out buying baby food one day in June 2012.

He had pleaded not guilty to all of the charges.

His lawyer, Lorraine Smith, says her client is in tears and grateful to the jury for their decision.

She says it's still a very sad day, as it is Leilani's birthday.