Statement from Turangi assault victim's family
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14 January 2012
The parents of a 5-year-old girl brutally attacked at a Turangi camping ground on December 21 last year have spoken out in advance of the next court appearance on Wednesday of the 16 year old charged with the crime.
The youth appeared in the Taupo Youth Court last week and indicated that he intends to plead guilty to charges of burglary and sexual violation by rape, as well as a third charge of aggravated wounding that was amended to causing grievous bodily harm.
The parents asked the court to "consider the impact this (crime) has had and will continue to have for years on our daughter and our family."
"We find it difficult to believe that this boy who did this to our daughter three weeks ago can write beautiful prayers to God now.
"Our daughter was fast asleep when this boy violated her and stole something from her that can never be returned.
"We thank the kind people of New Zealand who continue to send us prayers and messages.
"They have also apologised on behalf of the country - those hundreds of apologies have humbled us but there is one apology we have yet to hear...
"We will not be at the court appearance - our daughter still requires help and we have placed our trust in the experts at Waikato Hospital.
"Nevertheless, we want the court to consider the seriousness of the case and produce a ruling accordingly."
Meanwhile the trust fund set up for the 5 year old girl assaulted in Turangi has risen to $61,000.
The family are still holidaying in New Zealand and again thank the police and the public of New Zealand for their support.
ends
Earlier statement
The family of the 5 year old girl assaulted in Turangi will leave Hamilton today (Saturday 31 December) and wanted to send this special message to Waikato residents. They have enjoyed Waikato - it has been a real healing time for them as a family.
Their statement follows: |
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Donations for the five year old girl assaulted in Turangi to Operation Turangi, Westpac Bank
Messages to the family of the five year old girl can be sent via email: news@waikatodhb.health.nz | |
"As we leave this beautiful Waikato region, we want to thank all those people we came in contact with during our stay here.
"To St John Ambulance and to the wonderful staff at Waikato Hospital, particularly the emergency department, theatre and ward 26. Your loving care made it so much easier for our daughter to get better.
"When she was discharged we were able to relax and enjoy ourselves in Hamilton. We visited the Hamilton Zoo, Raglan and Te Awamutu.
"If anyone suspected who we were, they didn't say anything. You had such respect for our privacy.
"We'd also like to thank everyone in New Zealand for their hundreds of cards and messages. The generosity is amazing - more than $55,000 has been donated to our daughter's trust fund. Thanks to the Westpac Bank in Victoria St for looking after the money. It will be used for our daughter and for other children who are in need at this time.
"And finally to the police - you all deserve precious time with your family and friends. Thank you for all you have done for us.
"Kia kaha. E noho rā."
Arrest made in Turangi assault case
Police investigating the serious assault of a five-year-old tourist in Turangi have arrested a 16-year-old youth.
The young girl was attacked on the night of Wednesday, 21 December in a caravan at Club Habitat Holiday Park in Turangi, sustaining significant injuries to her head and body.
A detailed examination of the crime scene was carried out over three days and a team of between 20 and 30 police staff have been working on the investigation since the attack.
As a result of this work Police became interested in a 16-year-old youth from Turangi and negotiated his attendance at Turangi Police Station on 28 December. He has subsequently been charged with sexual violation, aggravated wounding and burglary.
He will appear in the Taupo Youth Court at 2pm tomorrow (Thursday, 29 December).
The family of the little girl have been advised of the arrest. They are overwhelmed and relieved by news that someone has been charged, but their priority remains the health and wellbeing of their daughter. They wish to maintain their anonymity and privacy and intend to continue their holiday in New Zealand. They have also expressed their thanks for the overwhelming support of the Police, Waikato Hospital staff and Victim Support.
"We are very relieved at this news and want to thank the police, particularly those who gave up their precious time when they would usually be with their families. We can’t thank them enough. They were meticulous, thorough and caring. They are a credit to New Zealand," the parents said.
Vicki Ham presents a cheque for $13,000 to Senior Sergeant Douglas in Turangi.
"We heard today too that the Turangi community raised more than $13,000 for our daughter. We are again amazed at the generosity of New Zealanders and thank this community. We know what happened was a random act of evil and will never hold Turangi responsible for it. We feel their love and support tonight."
In addition, $38,890.03 has been deposited into the Westpac Bank Operation Turangi account for the 5 year old.
The Bay of Plenty Police Field Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Mark Loper said: "I am extremely pleased for the family of this little girl and for the good community of Turangi that we have been able to make an arrest within a week of the incident.
"This case has really touched the hearts of so many people in New Zealand and staff from the Police and ESR have worked with dogged determination to bring about an early resolution. That has included giving up precious family time over Christmas for which I must sincerely thank the staff and their families.
"I also want to extend my thanks to the good people of Turangi who have given us tremendous support, rallying around the family and the Police."
Media note: Detective Inspector Mark Loper will be available to speak to media at Taupo Police Station tomorrow. A time late morning or early afternoon will be confirmed by Kim Perks in the morning. As the case is now before the court comment will clearly need to be restricted to the content of this release. No further comment will be made in relation to the arrest or the evidence that brought about the arrest.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
Earlier postings
A 5-year-old girl assaulted in Turangi on the night of Wednesday 21 December, has been discharged from Waikato Hospital and remains in New Zealand with her family.
The parents today thanked all the staff at Waikato Hospital, particularly world-renowned paediatric surgeon Askar Kukkady, the anaesthetists, nurses and surgical team involved in the operation and to Waikids Ward 26 for all their "loving support and care" of their daughter.
The family were given a copy of the recently published book Village on the Hill -Celebrating 125 years of Waikato Hospital by its editor, communications director Mary Anne Gill.
"There are so many familiar names, places and people in the book that the family now know, including Mr Kukkady who created history in 2004 as the lead surgeon of a team at Waikato Hospital that separted the first set of Pygopagus conjoined twins in Australasia," she said.
A trust fund has been set up for the girl at Westpac Bank, account number 03-1555-0150947-00 under the name “Operation Turangi”. Already $8560.44 has been donated.
To send a message to the family, either give it to Main Enquiries, Menzies Building, Waikato Hospital from 8am to 8pm daily, post c/o Mary Anne Gill, Waikato DHB, P.O. Box 934, Hamilton 3240 or email news@waikatodhb.health.nz - nearly 700 emails have been received to date.
The family are reading all the messages and continue to be amazed by the support they are getting.
All other media enquiries to the police please to Police Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256 (see releases below).
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MEDIA RELEASE - Bay of Plenty Police
27 December, 2011
Investigation progressing well
The investigation into the serious assault of a five-year-old girl is progressing well with the investigation team following some positive lines of enquiry.
The scene examination was completed on Christmas Eve and the caravan and ute were removed from the holiday park to be returned to the owners. A number of items of interest from the crime scene are now undergoing forensic analysis.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper, said: "It is still early days but we have maintained a strong focus over Christmas and are making some good progress. We do have some persons of interests and we remain optimistic that we will resolve this investigation."
Police will not be commenting any further on the lines of enquiry or the forensic analysis as to do so could jeopardise the investigation.
The little girl is also steadily improving. Police have not interviewed her at this stage and there are no immediate plans to do so as her welfare has to take priority.
"Although we are progressing well we still want to hear from anyone who hasn't contacted us yet and who has information that may assist us," said DI Loper.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on 07 378 6060. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
The European family of the 5 year old Turangi assault victim have asked us to distribute this message from them on Christmas Day.
Dear New Zealanders, Dear Friends,
We have been absolutely and deeply touched by hundreds of emails, gifts and donations from the People of New Zealand – from North and South, from cities and countryside, from mothers, fathers and whole families.
What has happened is unimaginable. It’s a drama, a tragedy not only for us but also for your beautiful country. However your support given to us is so incredible that it gives us a lot of strength.
Our little Daughter feels it too. Her recovery is going on and with every hour she feels better and better. The love which she is surrounded with makes her feel safe. Her little brother likes it too – he just thinks it is a neat place we visit (the only thing he wonders how come Santa Claus is so generous this year)
Even if this crime has changed our lives we will go on and we want to get over it quickly. Seeing so many peaceful and warm hearted people gives us huge hope again.
Dear People of New Zealand, thank you for everything.
Kia Kaha
The Parents
* A message from Waikato District Health Board - Today we will distribute around the hospital the many presents the public have dropped off. At the parents' request, this will be a private ceremony. A trust fund has been set up at Westpac Bank, account number 03-1555-0150947-00 under the name “Operation Turangi”.
To send a message to the family, either give it to Main Enquiries, Menzies Building, Waikato Hospital from 8am to 8pm daily, post c/o Mary Anne Gill, Waikato DHB, P.O. Box 934, Hamilton 3240 or email news@waikatodhb.health.nz .
Please no more gifts or toys. There is not the capacity to take any more. The surplus will go to sick children at Waikato Hospital and then to children's charities. For more information.
All other media enquiries to the police please.
ENDS
Date: 25-12-2011
23 December, 2011
Family touched by the support of New Zealand
The family of the five-year-old girl assaulted in Turangi on Wednesday night have today acknowledged the hundreds of messages they have received from the public.
They want to continue their anonymity for the sake of their daughter but say they are overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to them.
They have expressed their thanks for the Police, St John Ambulance and Waikato Hospital staff, particularly the surgeons, nurses and anaethetists involved in their daughter’s operation as well as the ongoing care from doctors, nurses and other staff on the ward.
“For us, we want to get on with our daughter’s recovery,” said the parents. Physically she is doing better and better. She started playing and drawing in her bed. We are very touched by the reactions of New Zealanders. This will still be a long journey for us and it will be made that much easier by the loving care and messages we’ve received from throughout New Zealand."
A trust fund has been set up at Westpac Bank, account number 03-1555-0150947-00 under the name “Operation Turangi”.
Gifts have been coming in and are being accepted at collection points at Hamilton Police Station and Waikato Hospital. Given the family will travel back to Europe soon, some will have to remain in New Zealand. They will be donated to other sick children in Waikato Hospital.
Written messages of support can also be emailed to news@waikatodhb.health.nz and will be passed on to the family.
District Commander Glenn Dunbier met with the family within hours of the crime and said: "These are good people and don't deserve what has happened to them. They are obviously distraught but are being well supported and are determined to move on with family life."
Superintendent Dunbier has also expressed his praise for the community of Turangi and wider New Zealand.
"Turangi is a community with a very strong local identity and the people here are gutted, as I'm sure all New Zealanders are, that this has happened in this town and in our country. The support from the Turangi community and from further afield has been amazing with significant offers of accommodation, money and gifts for the family."
"We're getting lots of phone calls and messages of support and even food being delivered to the inquiry team which is great. What we really need however is the phone call that identifies our offender."
The investigation team is currently in excess of 30 staff. Most of those are from out of town and some have volunteered to come back from leave and give up their family Christmases to be part of the investigation.
"This is a terrible, despicable crime, one that strikes at the heart of us all. The people of this town are shocked and obviously want this solved. We are going to need help from our community to catch the person responsible," said Supt Dunbier.
Bay of Plenty Police are using social media to appeal for public information and want to thank everyone for forwarding on those messages through the Twitter community helping Police to reach tens of thousands of people.
You can follow us on Twitter @BOPPolice.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on 07 378 6060. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
Investigation into Turangi assault ongoing
Rewards are already being offered by members of the community appalled by the attack on a five-year-old tourist at a holiday park in Turangi.
"We are incredibly grateful for this show of support and these generous offers however it is too early in the investigation and rewards have to be given very careful consideration," said Detective Inspector Mark Loper. "Offers of money can result in misleading information and it is vital that the investigation team remains focused."
The examination of the crime scene is ongoing, along with searches of the area. This work may well continue into tomorrow.
Police are aware of some house parties that were held in Turangi on Wednesday night and the people at those parties will be spoken to as part of the wider area canvass that is underway.
Some information has been coming in from the public to the Police and is being followed up, but Police still want to hear from anyone with even the smallest piece of information that might be useful.
"Someone knows something that will solve this investigation or has an idea who is responsible. Let's get this family and the community of Turangi some peace of mind this Christmas by getting this person off the streets," said DI Mark Loper.
The five-year-old girl is this morning in a stable condition on a ward in Waikato Hospital.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on 07 378 6060. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
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MEDIA RELEASE - Bay of Plenty
22 December, 2011
Child attack may have been sexually motivated
Police investigating an attack on a five-year-old girl at a Turangi holiday park believe the attack may have been sexually motivated.
The girl was sleeping in a caravan with her three-year-old brother at Club Habitat Holiday Park in Turangi. Her mother went to the amenity block where her husband was using his computer.
When she returned she found the caravan locked and saw a man inside with her daughter. She ran screaming for help at which point the offender has left the caravan.
The girl has undergone four hours of surgery today and is in a serious but stable condition in hospital. Her brother was not harmed and slept through the attack.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper who is heading the investigation says it is one of the worst assaults on a child he had seen in his 28 years policing.
He said: "The attack was brutal, on a young defenceless child who should have been spending Christmas on a dream holiday with her family. Her parents are absolutely distraught. They have expressed to us that their privacy is very important to them and they have asked for some space."
Police will not be drawn on the detail of the girl's injuries however DI Loper says "they are significant and heart-wrenching. The nature of her injuries lead us to believe that the attack was sexually motivated".
There were about eight groups of people staying at the park last night. Police are carrying out interviews with all of those people and speaking to local residents to try to identify witnesses. The area remains cordoned as ESR continue with a thorough scene examination.
Police are asking the community to focus on the period of time between 10pm and 10.45pm and to report any activity in and around the area of the park that may assist the investigation. Police also want to hear from anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible for this attack.
"It doesn't matter how irrelevant the piece of information may seem, let us judge its importance," said DI Loper. "It is vital that we catch the person responsible for this attack sooner rather than later. If someone feels they can not speak to us directly Crimestoppers provides an avenue that guarantees anonymity."
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on 07 378 6060.
Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
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MEDIA RELEASE - Bay of Plenty
22 December, 2011
Child seriously assaulted at holiday park
A five-year-old girl is in a serious but stable condition in hospital after being attacked last night at a holiday park in Turangi.
The girl is currently touring New Zealand with her parents and brother in a hired ute and caravan. Yesterday afternoon they arrived in Turangi and booked into Club Habitat on Ohuanga Road, Turangi.
Last night the girl's father was in the amenity block just metres away from the caravan. At approximately 10.10pm the mother also walked across to the amenity block leaving the two children asleep inside the caravan.
When she returned at approximately 10.40pm she found the caravan door locked and through the window saw a man inside.
She ran to get her husband and when they returned the caravan door was open, the man was gone and their daughter was lying seriously injured in her bed.
She has serious injuries mainly to her head and face and has undergone surgery at Waikato Hospital.
An investigation is underway, headed by Detective Inspector Mark Loper. ESR are in Turangi carrying out a full scene examination. Officers from Waikato are currently assisting with interviews with the parents.
Detective Inspector Mark Loper said: "This is a vicious attack, and the fact that it is on a five-year-old tourist just days before Christmas makes it all the more appalling. It is vital that anyone who has the smallest piece of information that might help this investigation comes forward as soon as possible."
The family are visiting from Europe. Police will not be more specific at this stage as the family need some time to notify relatives back home before any further detail is released.
Bay of Plenty District Commander, Superintendent Glenn Dunbier has travelled to Hamilton and met with the family who have stated that they are overwhelmed by the support they have received from the Police and other emergency services.
No more information is available at this time. A media conference will be held later this afternoon in Turangi where Police hope to in a position to release further information.
Time and venue is to be confirmed.
Anyone with information relevant to this investigation is asked to contact Taupo Police Station on 07 378 6060. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256.
Contact:
Mary Anne Gill
Communications Director
Waikato District Health Board
021 705 213
