New Zealand dad Martin Reichs convicted in drowning death of Zebedee Pua

A NEW Zealand man has been convicted for failing to look after his daughter in dangerous surf which killed a 15-year-old boy who swam out to save her.

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A NEW Zealand man has been convicted for failing to look after his daughter in dangerous surf which killed a 15-year-old boy who swam out to save her.

The Auckland District Court ordered that Martin Reichs do community service work because he failed to provide the necessaries of life to his daughter.

The New Zealand Herald reports that Zebedee Pua, 15, drowned after he tried to save Reichs' 8-year-old daughter at O'Neill Bay in New Zealand.

Reichs maintains that he never took his eye off his daughter but that he didn't recognise that she was caught in a rip.

Zebedee's body was not recovered until five days after the incident.

His father, Andre Pua, told the court that he wanted his own life to be taken away as well after losing his son.

"My son said he wanted to be a doctor. It wasn't a dream - it was his goal he had set at the age of 12," he said. "I wish [Reichs'] daughter the very best in life. My son's actions have given her a second chance in life ... "

Reichs paid $4000 towards the cost of Zebedee's tombstone and has visited his grave to leave a card and flowers.

In sentencing, Judge Grant Fraser said Zebedee's death would be a burden Reichs would have to carry for the rest of his life.

The case hinged on a "duty to protect", which Judge Fraser found that Reichs did not do.