A woman charged with the desecration of a cemetery in Auckland has been found not guilty by way of insanity.
The vandalised cemetery in Papakura. Photo: RNZ / Kim Baker Wilson
Up to 40 graves were vandalised and the children's area was wrecked at Papakura Cemetery in May last year.
Decorations on graves and headstones were reduced to a pile of mangled crosses, flowers and toys.
A 43-year-old woman, who has name suppression, was charged with intentional damage.
She was found not guilty by way of insanity in the Papakura District Court today.
Defence lawyer Rabindra Roy told the court his client was insane at the time of the offending and thought the headstones were made from bones and faeces.
"Two expert doctors have assessed the woman who is now doing well."
Judge Philip Recordon told the court he was satisfied doctors' reports showed the woman was suffering from a relapse of her psychotic illness at the time.
