A Fijian caregiver who abused two boys and an elderly man over a long period of time has been sentenced to eight years and nine months in prison.
Sixty-year old Shahidan Nisha was convicted of 27 of the 29 charges that involved assaults over a long period of time.
One boy gave evidence of a heated spoon and poker being used to burn his mouth and being forced to chew hot chilli peppers.
New Zealand media report the boy told the court of not being able to eat or drink for days after the punishments.
The 80-year old man did not give evidence in court because he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.
The assaults occurred in Christchurch.
Judge Alistair Garland said he regards the use of a hot spoon to punish a child a very serious and violent offence.
He said the children desperately needed a loving and nurturing environment and that was taken from them.
