A woman who faked a pregnancy to friends and family before kidnapping a baby has been sentenced to three years in prison.
Nadene Manukau-Togiavalu appears for sentencing for baby kidnapping. Photo: RNZ / Edward Gay
Nadene Manukau-Togiavalu appeared at Auckland District Court today after earlier admitting charges of kidnapping, burglary and dishonestly using a document.
Manukau-Togiavalu had been working as a nanny for the family for three days when she kidnapped the 11-day old girl from her home in Epsom in August 2017.
The court heard that months earlier Manukau-Togiavalu told her family and friends she was pregnant.
Nadene Manukau-Togiavalu appears for sentencing for baby kidnapping. Photo: RNZ / Edward Gay
She went as far as holding a baby shower and wore a pregnancy belly to keep up the deception.
When she took the job as the baby's nanny she told her cousin, Sydnee Shaunna Toulapapa, that it was in fact her baby, that she had adopted her out and now wanted her back.
Ms Toulapapa has admitted her part in the plot and was discharged without conviction at the High Court in Auckland in April.
The baby was found safe and returned to her parents later on the day she was abducted.