Media reports that the mother of baby Mikara Reti was supporting her partner accused of the baby's manslaughter were "totally incorrect and mischievous", police say.
Trent Hapuku appeared in the Hastings District Court this week in relation to the death of five-month-old Mikara, who died two weeks ago from internal injuries.
After the court appearance, TV3 News reported that Mikara's mother was at the court supporting Hapuku, along with members of his immediate family. That information was consequently used by other media.
Detective Sergeant Mark Moorhouse of Hastings CIB said that information was wrong and had caused Mikara's family extreme distress. It had also strained relations amongst Mikara's wider whanau.
"This piece of information couldn't have been any further from the truth. It was a devastating blow to Mikara's mother and her immediate family and they are incredibly upset by the fallout from this scurrilous media report.
"Mikara's mother has been nowhere near the Hastings District Court - in fact she has been out of Hawke's Bay since her young son tragically died," Mr Moorhouse said.
Unsubstantiated and misleading media reports had a huge impact on innocent victims of crime, he said.
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* Media inquiries should be directed to Eastern District Communications Manager Kris McGehan on 06 8310786 or 027 2223638.