Joseph Richard Vercoe

Twelve years ago Hohepa Vercoe resonated in our consciousness in exactly the same way. He was killed by his grandparents after a series of horrendous beatings. At that time we were all talking about it being the line in the sand for child abuse in this country but despite all the talk and hand wringing back then the grandparents have now long served out their prison time and little Hohepa's father believes nothing's changed. Source: http://tvnz.co.nz/view/tvone_minisite_story_skin/1305663.

Head beaten to a boggy lump. 1995-05-20. Grandparents of Hohepa Vercoe (5), Emma Watene (49) and Wayne Watene (42) of Kerepehi, are charged with murdering the boy with blows to the head. Evidence gven at depositions hearing in Thames District Court by relatives Wayne Watene (13) and Joseph Watene (18). New Zealand Herald, Sec 1 p 15. Source: https://natlib.govt.nz/records/30794185