New Zealand

Mother of Marokopa children describes Tom Phillips as controlling dictator

The mother of the Marokopa children has spoken about her abusive relationship with Tom Phillips, saying he controlled finances, friends and vehicle access.

Skinny McBuntu

The mother of the Marokopa children has publicly described her relationship with Tom Phillips as abusive, characterising him as a dictator who controlled her finances, friendships and access to vehicle keys. She said she was kicked out of home after calling police on him twice. She also objected to a Netflix documentary about the case, though police told her they did not require her permission to proceed with it.

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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.

What outlets are saying

RNZ

'He was a dictator': Mother of Marokopa children speaks out about her relationship with Tom Phillips

For most people, the Tom Phillips case began when he first disappeared with his children into the bush in 2021 and ended when he was shot dead by police last year – not for Cat Christey.

Read the full story at RNZ

NZ Herald

Marokopa children’s mother describes Tom Phillips as a ‘dictator’, says she objected to Netflix doco

She said police told her they did not need her permission for the Netflix documentary.

Read the full story at NZ Herald

Newstalk ZB

Marokopa children’s mother describes Tom Phillips as a ‘dictator’, says she objected to Netflix doco

The mother of the Marokopa children has described the abuse she suffered from Tom Phillips, saying the former fugitive was a “dictator” who kicked her out of home after twice calling police on him.

Read the full story at Newstalk ZB