No parole for RSA accomplice

Parole has been rejected for the man who waited outside while one of New Zealand's most vicious murderers, William Bell, bashed three people to death during a robbery.

Darnell Tupe was found guilty of three charges of manslaughter and one of aggravated robbery for his part in the December 8, 2001, slaughter at the Mt Wellington-Panmure Returned Services Association (RSA). He was sentenced to 12 years' jail while Bell was sentenced to life with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years, reduced to 30 years on appeal.

Tupe had waited in a car while Bell, hiding a shotgun, persuaded part-time accountant Susan Couch to unlock the RSA's door.

He then bashed Ms Couch so badly she nearly died, before killing club president William Absolum 63, club member Wayne Johnson 56, and cleaner Mary Hobson.

The Parole Board said in its decision declining parole for Tupe that suitable accommodation had not been found.

"So that accommodation on release can be approved and so that home leaves can commence and develop, the board will see Mr Tupe again in October 2010," it said.

Tupe had completed the Maori therapeutic programme and had a "recognised leadership role" within the Maori focus unit.

He lived in the outer self care unit and had had 10 shopping trips, as well as working seven days a week and working on a voluntary community project.

He wanted to be released to the home of a woman who had been visiting him in prison and her home had been approved.

However, that approval had been withdrawn "while some matters are looked into".

"We do not anticipate that her home would be reapproved until those matters have been completely cleared up."

"We think it is important that Mr Tupe has the opportunity for home leaves given the number of years he has spent in prison.

"The home leaves in our view should commence as soon as possible and take place as frequently as the prison will allow and increasing to at least 24 hours of home leave."

The board was concerned Tupe's release would attract "harmful media attention".

- NZPA