Warning: This article contains details some people may find distressing.
A police officer says the injuries an Auckland mother inflicted on her own child are among "the worst" she has seen in her career.
The 34-year-old woman, identified by the NZ Herald as Ritika, was sentenced in the Auckland District Court on Friday to two years and seven months behind bars for wounding with intent to injure and ill-treatment of a child
Her daughter, who was two months old at the time, was taken to Starship with critical injuries in November 2018.
Detective Inspector Bridget Doell says the injuries were "horrific".
"This poor, defenceless baby had broken bones all over her body, including a skull fracture, several rib fractures and broken legs. Her injuries were among the worst I have seen inflicted on a young child," she said following Ritika's sentencing on Friday.
Doell says the case is "even more appalling" as the baby was almost killed by her own mother - "the person whose duty it is to care for and protect them."
Ritika's daughter, now aged two, was placed with Oranga Tamariki following the assault and is still recovering from the abuse.
According to the NZ Herald, Ritika still denies charges of ill-treatment and neglect and wounding and injuring with reckless disregard, of which a jury found her guilty in April.
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, phone Police on 111.
If you're worried about a child, you can make a report of concern to Oranga Tamariki by phoning 0508 FAMILY (0508 326 459).
If you need assistance or support relating to child care there are a number of partner agencies who can support such as Shine or Plunket.
