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David Bain is "prepared for the worst and hoping for the best" at a bail hearing tomorrow to determine if he is set free from prison after 12 years.
A judge in the High Court in Christchurch will decide if he can be released on bail after Bain's convictions for murdering his Dunedin family in 1994 were quashed by the Privy Council last week.
Bain's chief supporter Joe Karam met with Bain in prison today and revealed he was getting fitted with new clothes for the occasion, but staying grounded.
"Today David put on some nice new finely tailored cotton shirts, which he hasn't done for 12 1/2 years. Imagine that feeling," Mr Karam said.
"He doesn't want to get his hopes up. He's always careful about getting too excited about things. He's very prepared for tomorrow and excited about it."
"He's a bit tired, like I am. Worn out, and excited....and apprehensive. It's a lot going on. After all, four days ago he was one of New Zealand's worst ever convicted criminals. Today he is still in custody and tomorrow he could be....smelling the roses."
"David and I have learnt this very much a one step at a time thing. At this stage he needs some clothes and some support."
Asked what Bain would say if freed, Mr Karam said: "Even if he planned it, I doubt if (the words) would come out right. I think the moment will take over".
Even "hard core" fellow inmates at Christchurch Men's Prison had come up to Bain and shaken his hand. But there had been no celebration behind bars over his conviction being quashed.
"You don't do that in prison. He might have got one more pea with his pie last night. He's had some hard times (in prison). He's had to defend himself and he's been assaulted. It's a tremendous learning curve in the experience of life to be able to survive in (prison)."
Bain had dealt with the public in his supply job in prison, so could deal with life on the outside.
"My own view is that he is probably better equipped than what we are to deal with something of the nature of what he is going to have to do."
Mr Karam planned to revisit prison today to deliver some more items of clothing and "I might get a little sleep at some stage for half an hour".
If freed tomorrow, Bain would be going to live with Mr Karam at his North Island home.
Asked what would happen from there, Mr Karam said: "The plan is not to tell anyone what the plan is".
People working in the prison have written letters in support of Bain's bail application.
