Love on hold for David Bain

Deborah Read says she is like an older sister to David Bain. Photo / Herald on Sunday

David Bain has made a conscious decision to put love on hold until his new murder trial finishes, says his former flatmate and friend Deborah Read.

Read, who flatted with Bain for a year in West Auckland, said Bain believed it would be unfair on a potential partner to start a relationship until he knew what the future held.

"He feels like he doesn't have anything to offer," she said. "He's got no home and no firm idea of what the future could hold."

Tomorrow, Bain begins the third week of his retrial for the murder of five members of his family. The original conviction was overturned by the Privy Council.

Read, who lives in Massey, dismissed previous media speculation that she and Bain were romantically linked.

"I'm like an older sister to him. I know there are a lot of people out there that would like Bain to have the fairytale ending but he's not at that point yet and I'm not that woman."

Bain lived with Read until he moved to Parnell in September last year to be closer to his job.

During that time, Read said, she realised how much the public never saw of the real David Bain.

"All you would see in the news or the papers was a stressed, stern face as he walked into court," she said. "The David I know is a relaxed, funny, loveable guy."

"He's the same as everyone. When he has finished the day he just wants to put his feet up."

He enjoyed a cigarette and a glass of wine at the end of the day, maybe steak and kidney or chops for dinner.

But what really kept Bain sane through all the pressure was horse riding.

"His first weekend here he took my horse out for a ride and just came back with a big grin on his face and said he wanted to do that again. Bain later went out and bought his own horse, called Boysie.

He told Read: "When I'm out on a horse it's almost like God blows everything away. The past disappears and the future holds no worries."