'It is a pleasure to see him away for so long'

The 33-year jail sentence imposed on William Bell was yesterday welcomed by those who knew the victims and by politicians.

Alan Eastwood and Terry Williams, the president and vice-president of the Mt Wellington RSA, said 33 years without the possibility of being released was well justified.

The men found their three dead friends and Susan Couch, who was barely breathing.



Mr Williams said all RSA members were very pleased with the sentence.

"It won't take away the memories but it is a pleasure to see him away for so long."

Ms Couch said she hoped the sentence might deter others with evil intentions. "For many of us, though, sentencing is a hollow sort of victory as the damage to us has been done and can never be undone."

Crown prosecutor Simon Moore, who sought a minimum non-parole period of 30 years, said Bell would not even be remotely considered for release until he had served 33 years.



But the Parole Board then had to consider his future.

"One suspects this is life imprisonment for life," Mr Moore said.

Justice Minister Phil Goff said the sentence was evidence that the courts were carrying out new sentencing laws, which required them to impose the highest sentences for the worst offending.

"The Government's intentions in toughening the legislation have been acknowledged and are now clearly being put into effect," he said.

United Future law and order spokesman Marc Alexander called the sentence "a good start".



But it was just a start, and life should mean life, he said.

"Offenders such as Bell should not be allowed to leave their prison accommodation until the end of their natural days - in a pine box, or let them out on their 101st birthday."


Longest non-parole periods in NZ history

December 12, 2002: