A mother has been given a suspended six-month jail sentence for poisoning two of her children.
Faagalu Makata, aged 31, of Otara, poured toilet-cleaning fluid into the mouths of her 5-year-old and 16-month-old infant in January.
She pleaded guilty to two charges of poisoning with intent to cause inconvenience or annoyance, which carries a maximum three-year jail term.
In the High Court at Auckland yesterday, Justice Judith Potter said there were special circumstances not to send Makata to jail.
Steve Haszard, for the Crown, told the judge that Makata was initially charged with attempted murder, but further inquiries by police indicated she was - apart from this incident - a loving, caring mother with a strong bond with her children.
It was better, he said, to keep the family unit intact.
Defence counsel David Niven said Makata had been trying to draw her husband's attention to her situation.
In passing sentence, Justice Potter said the poisoning occurred when Makata was angry and upset with her husband over his leaving their three children unattended.
Makata, who was intoxicated, drank some of the fluid herself before administering it to the two children.
She rang the emergency services shortly afterwards. The younger child was distressed and suffering breathing problems.
All three were admitted to Middlemore Hospital but were fortunately discharged without any permanent damage done, said the judge.
A psychiatric report referred to in court said Makata maintained she had no intention of killing the children or herself.
The incident was a combination of her being intoxicated and her overwhelming sense of anger and sadness at her husband and their relationship, said the report.
Since the offence, Mr Niven told the court, Makata had not consumed alcohol.
Justice Potter suspended the jail term for six months with 18 months' supervision and a condition that she undertake alcohol, anger and relationship counselling as directed.
The judge said that it was an isolated incident from a mother who loved and cared greatly for her children.
She was a first offender and there was nothing to indicate she would reoffend.
The incident was brought on significantly by alcohol. It was also an unfortunate response to pressures and tensions that had built up in the marriage.
Suspended term for 'poisoner' mother
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