Politicians get heartfelt appeal from RSA victim's brother

By LOUISA CLEAVE

The brother of Susan Couch, the sole survivor of William Bell's murderous rampage at the Mt Wellington RSA, has made an emotional plea to politicians to end parole.

Stephen Couch wrote to politicians a month ago, asking that inmates be evaluated before release "to ensure that they are fit to rejoin the community".

In his letter, released last night to the Herald, Mr Couch also suggested that violent re-offenders never be released.

He said he could do nothing to "quench the lust for revenge that I crave" against Bell, who was on parole when he murdered Mary Hobson, Wayne Johnson and William Absolum at the RSA in December 2001.

"I still have bad dreams and nightmares from the events that have taken place over the last couple of years. I think my biggest problem is an internal conflict, as I am a firm believer of capital punishment and an eye for an eye approach to justice, but of course I cannot do anything to William Bell to avenge the damage he caused."

If supporters of the parole system "had to live in my shoes, tormented on a daily basis by the pain and suffering caused by the RSA tragedy and subsequent events, I think they would advocate abolishment of parole in a heart-beat."

Mr Couch said Justice Minister Phil Goff did not respond and he did not send his letter to the Greens or the Progressive Coalition.

He received responses from New Zealand First, United Future, Act and National.

New Zealand First MP Ron Mark gave a personal commitment to campaign for an end to parole.

"You are right. It doesn't do anything. It only puts crims who are going to reoffend out on the street earlier, so allowing them to do so earlier."

Mr Couch said the National Party told him about its law and order policy announcement, and the other parties supported his plea.

Meanwhile, United Future is backing National's stance but says it also needs a focus on youth, gangs and victims' rights.

United Future has a support agreement with the Government but says it will work with either of the main parties after the next election, depending on which one wins the most seats.

The party's law and order spokesman, Marc Alexander, said yesterday that National's policy disregarded victims and early intervention with at-risk families.

The Commissioner for Children, Cindy Kiro, yesterday criticised National's plan to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 14 to 12.

It was already set at 10 years for serious offences such as manslaughter and murder.

Dr Kiro said that in its last report, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child had said the age of criminal responsibility was too low, both at 10 for serious crimes and at 14 for others.

- Additional reporting NZPA