Bain sets off to see the world

Joe Karam sees David Bain off at Auckland International Airport. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Freed murder accused David Bain flew out of New Zealand yesterday to find a new home overseas.

Supporter Joe Karam told the Herald on Sunday his friend was looking forward to spending time away from New Zealand, where he could relax in anonymity.

"He's very conscious of the fact he might be able to make a more pleasant life for himself somewhere he isn't under scrutiny," he said.

On June 5, Bain was acquitted - on retrial - of murdering his parents, sisters and brother in 1994. He had served 13 years in prison before his original conviction was overturned by the Privy Council in London.

A spokesman for police headquarters said: "If he's got a passport and he's eligible to go it's nothing to do with us."

Flying business class for part of the trip, Bain was excited and relaxed when he checked in at Auckland International Airport yesterday morning.

He had two backpacks, one carrying a tag for Shamrock Adventures, a budget tourist operation in Ireland.

Karam said Bain was heading to the United Kingdom. "He has friends in the UK - two particular friends who go back to before the tragedy in 1994.

"They invited him to stay with them. They are going to take him into their home."

Bain planned to travel through Britain with his friends and was intending to explore his family roots in Scotland. He has also planned a long holiday in Greece to indulge a long-held fascination in classical studies.

"He is interested in looking at employment and study in the UK and elsewhere in Europe," said Karam.

Bain was not against living in New Zealand but wanted to explore other opportunities.

He struggled with his public profile and was "sick and tired of being recognised".

Karam said Bain was treated extremely well by members of the public but he found the constant media interest exhausting.

Bain told him he wanted to get a passport the week after being found not guilty in June after the three-month retrial in Christchurch. Bain said: "I want to get a passport. I'm now a free man like everyone else."

Karam said Bain was able to make the trip through "the generosity of others" - money had been raised through a website set up after the hearing.

He said Bain had bought a return fare for $5000, which allowed him to travel part of the journey in business class.

He was also able to change the return date on the ticket but at this stage expected to be back in New Zealand for Christmas.

"It's a very proud moment for me to see him heading off as his own man. It's been a whirlwind two months for him and a whirlwind two years since he was released on bail."

Karam said the trial had been traumatic for all involved, but was especially telling on Bain. "It is going to give him the chance to find his feet."

Karam said work to get compensation for Bain was ongoing.

"There's no question David should be compensated and compensated very substantially. Work is going on behind the scenes in that respect.

"A person, through no fault of his own, has effectively had the best years of his life taken away from him.

"The matter can't be left like it is. The fact he was wrongly convicted in 1995 means family heirlooms and inheritance are in the wrong hands."

Karam said that was no fault of Bain's family.