New home for RSA massacre survivor

Photo: Phil Doyle

A smiling Susan Couch packs for her move.

Killer William Bell.

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Susan Couch, the sole survivor of the RSA massacre, has found a new home.

Last month, Sunday News revealed Couch, who was bashed and left for dead by William Bell in the 2001 triple-murder spree, faced being left homeless.

The 45-year-old, who cannot work because of her horrific injuries, had only been able to afford her last house because the Good Samaritan landlord had reduced the rent for her. But the property was sold.

But last week, Couch and 11-year-old son Jackson moved into a new suburban Auckland unit.

"It is a huge relief," a delighted Couch told Sunday News.

"Thanks to Garth [McVicar] at the Sensible Sentencing Trust, Conroy Removals Ltd, my lawyer Brian Henry, his PA Kath, Jackson, my mum Judy and my friends Melissa, Tina and Hugh who made the move as painless as possible.

"It's a nice place and has the special facilities that I need in day-to-day life." Couch was crippled in the attack and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder.

She would not have been able to afford her new pad if Winz hadn't increased the benefit they pay her.

"Thankfully Winz came to the party," she said. "Bless them, they do their best with what they can."

Her needs list includes a walk-in shower and a dishwasher.

"I only have one arm that works so I really need a dishwasher. "With my mobility, I also can't use showers that are placed above a bath."

Sunday News was flooded with messages of support for Couch after our June 20 story about her plight.

Many donations were also made to The Susan Couch and Crime Victims Charitable Trust. She thanked all those who continued to back her.

"People have helped me out in many ways. If it wasn't for their support and help, then things would be a lot harder for me. The ongoing support is very important."

In 2003, Bell was given a non-parole sentence of 30 years for the murders of Mt Wellington-Panmure RSA president William Absolum, 63, member Wayne Johnson, 56, and cleaner Mary Hobson, 44, and the attempted murder of Couch.

In March, Couch was granted permission by the Supreme Court to sue the Corrections Department for $500,000. The court case should be heard within the next 17 months.

- © Fairfax NZ News