R v Ryder - [2026] NZHC 1726

Stormy Ryder sentenced to manslaughter of her 19-month-old, whose direct cause of death was complications from starvation and dehydration. Ms Ryder pleaded guilty to the charge at the beginning of her jury trial after acceptance of a sentence indication in April 2026. After rejecting a request by the defence to revisit the starting point as a result of matters raised in a psychological report, a sentence of three years and five months’ imprisonment was imposed. This sentence comprised of a starting point of six years and three months’ imprisonment and several personal mitigating factors, including 25 per cent for personal background and addiction issues; five per cent for remorse; five per cent for prospects of rehabilitation; and 10 per cent for her guilty plea.