Media Release
13 June 2008
Peters Welcomes Landmark Decision
New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has welcomed the landmark decision made today by the New Zealand Supreme Court
regarding the case of Susan Couch, the survivor of the brutal Auckland RSA triple murder in 2001.
The Supreme Court today upheld Ms Couch’s appeal for the right to sue the Department of Corrections for damages, after
she was badly hurt by William Bell, who was on parole at the time.
“This decision means that Ms Couch now has the right to seek compensation after years of rehabilitation following
serious injuries sustained during the horrific incident at the Mt Wellington-Panmure RSA,” said Mr Peters.
“If the Department of Corrections is found to have failed in its duty to protect members of the public, they should be
made to be held accountable for their failures.
“This decision will at least ensure that Ms Couch’s case is heard, creating an opportunity for justice to finally be
done following this tragic incident,” said Mr Peters.
ENDS