RSA killings appeals to be heard tomorrow

A woman who survived a killing spree in south Auckland four years ago, and the partner of a slain woman, take their legal claim against the Government to the Court of Appeal tomorrow.

Susan Couch and Tai Hobson are suing the Department of Corrections after William Bell ran amok at the Mt Wellington RSA in December 2001, killing three people.

Mr Hobson's wife Mary died and Ms Couch was so badly beaten she was given little, if any, chance of survival by ambulance staff called to the bloody scene.

Bell was on probation after serving time in jail for aggravated robbery when he committed the murders at the RSA.

Ms Couch is suing the department for $2 million and Mr Hobson is suing the department for $550,000.

Mr Hobson's case was rejected on two grounds by the High Court earlier this year but the court said he may have a claim based on the wrongful exercise of lawful authority.

To be successful, Mr Hobson would have to prove his wife's murder was in part caused by a deliberate decision or act by an official within the probation service.

During Mr Hobson's High Court hearing his lawyer Brian Henry said probation staff did not ensure Bell met his parole conditions.

- NZPA