Mother of Nia Glassie to be released from prison
Thursday, 16 February 2017
A woman jailed for the manslaughter of her own toddler is to be released from prison.
Lisa Michelle Kuka, 43, was sentenced to nine years jail in 2007 on two counts of manslaughter following the death of three-year-old Nia Glassie in Rotorua.
Nia, whose death shocked the public, was systematically abused by her caregivers.
Her suffering included being spun in a tumble dryer, being hung from a clothesline, and having hunks of wood thrown at her.
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Brothers Michael and Wiremu Curtis were also jailed for a minimum of 17 years after being found guilty of Nia's murder.
Michael Pearson and Oriwa Kemp were jailed for assault and cruelty towards the child.
Kuka was seen by the Parole Board on January 31.
In their decision, the Board noted Kuka had been released on parole earlier in 2014 but had been recalled to serve the remainder of her sentence.
A prison officer told the Board that while working as a cleaner Kuka's attitude had deteriorated, she had become stubborn and with an 'it is her way or the highway' outlook.
Kuka said this was because she was anxious and stressed with her parole date looming.
The Board deemed her a medium risk of offending, due to an unbalanced lifestyle, substance abuse and lack of problem solving skills.
'Intimate relationships have been identified as a very high risk factor for Ms Kuka.
'Therefore, any relationships of this nature needs to be monitored carefully by community probation.'
The Board said she had solid whanau support, who understood their responsibilities regarding support for Kuka, and a good release plan.
Following her release she will be subject to special release conditions, which includes being barred from talking to the media and using social media.
PAROLE CONDITIONS
* Undertake appropriate treatment and counselling programmes
* Reside at two agreed houses
* A curfew of 9pm to 6am for the first three months
* Updating probation regarding employment
* Update probation before entering an intimate relationship
* No drugs or alcohol
* No media interviews or social media
* Not to associate with people under 16