As stated by Detective Sergeant Caroline Wharton:
Police acknowledge the sentencing of 25-year-old William James Sio in relation to the death of his five-year-old son Ferro-James Sio.
Sio was sentenced in the Rotorua District Court today to life imprisonment with a minimum non-parole period of 17 years.
The deliberate death of a child is a tragedy for all involved.
In this case, Ferro-James was killed by the very person with a duty of care to protect him.
Our thoughts are with Ferro-James' family and friends today as they continue to mourn his short life.
We can only hope our work to hold his murderer to account will bring them some level of comfort.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team who did an outstanding job in the face of these senseless acts on a vulnerable child.
Police is committed to preventing and reducing the impact of family harm.
We know it can be difficult to reach out, but Police and a range of other organisations are here to help.
If you are the victim of family harm or you have concerns about the safety of a friend or loved one, please call 111.
As there are other matters relating to Ferro-James' death still before the court, Police is not able to add anything further at this time.
