RSA attack survivor seeks compo

The sole survivor of the Mt Wellington-Panmure RSA murders is considering suing the Corrections Department - claiming a series of parole blunders led to the triple-murder.

Susan Couch's likely legal action for compensation has already received a significant boost, with lawyers now able to access previously undisclosed documents detailing the Parole Board's handling of killer William Duane Bell.

Ms Couch was the only survivor of the armed robbery which claimed the lives of cleaner Mary Hobson, member Wayne Johnson and club president Bill Absolum at the Panmure RSA in December 2001.

William Bell, the man jailed two years ago for the murders, was on parole at the time and the Corrections Department has admitted flaws in its handling of his case.
Bell was jailed for a record non-parole period of 33 years.

Mary Hobson's husband, Tai Hobson, is already pursuing a legal claim for $550,000 in general and exemplary damages.

Now it is understood Susan Couch will file similar court proceedings within a month.

The Mangere probation centre that Bell was assigned to was blamed by the victims' families for not checking up on Bell.

The officer assigned to Bell had only been on the job for 10 months. She was the most senior officer there. Two others had been officers for four months while another two had only a few weeks in the job.

Ms Couch spent six months at Middlemore Hospital and at one stage doctors talked to her family about turning life support off.

Her lawyer Brian Henry, who also is representing Mr Hobson, has won disclosure of previously unseen documents which detail how Bell, who had more than 100 previous convictions, was dealt with by the Corrections Department.

Mr Henry confirmed Ms Couch was "seriously considering" filing proceedings and that he would be representing her.

Mr Hobson sued the Crown last year but the claim of alleged negligence by the probation service in its handling of Bell was struck out by the High Court. He was given the option of re-applying to have the whole case re-heard.

Sensible Sentencing Trust head Garth McVicar said the disclosed documents were a good reason to re-apply. He said the court case was to stop future victims being let down by the parole service.

He said Ms Couch was the ideal plaintiff from the start but her injuries from the attack meant she was not in the right state of mind.

Mr Hobson said the court process would bring back a lot of terrible memories but it was something he had to do.

"It's not about the money, it's about helping other victims," he said.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY