R v D - [2026] NZHC 2334

Sentencing of D for one charge of attempted murder of her three-year-old son. Offending involved the infliction of several wounds to the victim's neck with a meat cleaver.

Result: Offending falls within Band 3 of Taueki, providing a starting point range between nine and 14 years. Aggravating factors include premeditation (to a modest degree); use of a weapon; severity of injuries; attack to the neck (synonymous with attack to the head); breach of trust; and victim vulnerability. Notional starting point of 10 years, six months' imprisonment. Starting point reduced by 24 per cent to eight years' imprisonment to acknowledge that Ms D was of substantially diminished culpability due to suffering an acute psychological crisis at the time of the offending. 15 per cent discount for guilty plea. 10 per cent discount for good character. No discount for remorse given Ms D continues to minimise aspects of the offending. No discount for background or rehabilitative efforts. 11 month discount for time spent on EM bail. End sentence of five years and one month's imprisonment.

Application for permanent name suppression refused. The identified hardships fall below the required standards for name suppression. Public interest in reporting serious offending of this nature.