Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Warning: This story contains details of abuse.
A man charged with abuse after two Lower Hutt children received "very severe" injuries including multiple broken bones can now be named.
Dakota Allen, 26, of the Hutt Valley has pleaded not guilty to multiple charges including assault on a child, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
The children, aged four and five at the time, were hospitalised in March last year.
At the time, Detective Senior Sergeant Rebecca Cotton described the injuries as "very very severe". They included multiple broken bones, lacerated internal organs and one had brain bleeds.
"Their injuries were so extensive one required surgery, and it has taken two weeks to understand the full extent of damage to their bodies, " Cotton said.
The police said at the time, the suspected abuse was uncovered when one of the children was taken to hospital in an ambulance.
In Wellington District Court on Tuesday, Allen's lawyer Steve Gill withdrew his name suppression application.
Allen is on electronically monitored bail, and is staying in the Hutt Valley.
His other charges include wilful ill treatment of a dog and selling and cultivating cannabis.
A trial date is yet to be set.
A woman has also pleaded not guilty to charges in relation to the case. They include two charges of failing to protect a child, and two of attempting to pervert the course of justice and refusing to assist police with a search.
Her name suppression remains in place.
Where to get help:
- Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
- Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357.
- Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO. This is a service for people who may be thinking about suicide, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
- Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202.
- Samaritans: 0800 726 666.
- Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz.
- What's Up: 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787. This is free counselling for 5 to 19-year-olds.
- Asian Family Services: 0800 862 342 or text 832. Languages spoken: Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Japanese, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English.
- Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254.
- Healthline: 0800 611 116.
- Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155.
- OUTLine: 0800 688 5463.
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.