Home and Away confirms Tane Parata’s fate in court storyline
His sentencing takes place.
Home and Away has confirmed that Tane Parata won’t be heading to jail after his baby kidnap plot.
The Summer Bay gym boss finally heard his fate in Tuesday’s Australian episode (June 4) after weeks of uncertainty about his future.
Tane made a terrible mistake this year as he fled from the Bay with Maia, the baby girl he found abandoned on the beach.
He later handed himself in and gave Maia back following encouragement from his friends Mali Hudson and Harper Matheson, which led to him being arrested, charged and ultimately forced to face court.
In the latest episode, Tane’s case continued and his lawyer Marshall made a drastic move as things weren’t looking good for him.
Marshall unexpectedly called Tane to take the stand, quizzing him on his desperate desire to be a father and how he’d felt betrayed when his estranged wife Felicity Newman lied to him about trying for a baby.
Marshall was aware of this difficult history after chatting to Felicity, who didn’t realise that he’d later go rogue and use the information in court.
Addressing the judge, Marshall argued: “Tane Parata is a man driven by a deep-seated need to protect and nurture. There was no malice in his actions. At no point did he intend to harm the child or gain a reward.
“His sole objective was to keep her safe. Yes, he made some poor decisions, coming out of a traumatic time in his life. Who hasn’t?
“Mr Parata admitted how badly he wanted to be a father. It even cost him his marriage.”
Putting Tane’s actions in this context led to the judge taking pity on him.
Although Tane was given a lengthy seven-year sentence, he was told that he could serve it repaying the community rather than in jail. He was also ordered to seek professional help to deal with his issues.
The judge explained: “You will serve that sentence under an intensive corrections order, meaning you can serve that time within the community.
“However, strict conditions are in play. I’m further ordering that you immediately attend a training and counselling programme to equip you with the tools to identity damaging behaviour and avoid repeating it.”
The news came just as Tane’s friendship with Harper had taken a romantic turn, with them spending the night together at the gym. With Tane now free to move on with his life, will he decide to pursue a relationship with Harper?
