RSA killer's getaway driver denied parole

Darnell Kere Tupe. Photo / Kenny Rodger

The getaway driver for William Bell, one of the country's most notorious murderers, has lost his latest bid for parole.

Darnell Tupe was found guilty on three counts of manslaughter and one of aggravated robbery for his part in the December 8 2001 slaughter at Auckland's Mt Wellington-Panmure Returned Services Association (RSA) and jailed for 12 years.

Bell, who was convicted of three murders, was sentenced to life with a minimum non-parole period of 33 years, reduced to 30 years on appeal.

Tupe waited in the 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.

In its decision released today, The Parole Board said Tupe had been doing well but "he stepped back recently because he was found to be involved with drugs".

"He has given several negative (drug) tests. (But) he has to regain everybody's trust," the board said.

The board said Tupe had completed a medium intensity rehabilitation programme and was reclassified as a minimum security risk after several successful day paroles.

The board said there was a problem with Tupe's address that needed to be looked at before it saw him in six months' time.

"For obvious reasons we are not going to grant him parole today. He has some ground to regain."

- NZPA