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Archived Press Releases 2005 24th October 2005

Killer dines with Telecom executives

(24th October 2005)

One of New Zealand’s most notorious killers has dined and debated with the executives of New Zealand’s largest Telecommunications company, and the families of those he killed are furious and calling for a public apology.

William Bell had 102 previous convictions and was on parole when he bludgeoned to death three people in the Mt Wellington – Panmure RSA and left a fourth, Susan Couch battling for her life. At the time of his trial police said Bell was a cold blooded calculating killer who showed no compassion for his victims and displayed no remorse whatsoever.

A spokesman for the Sensible Sentencing Trust said he had received calls from the families of Bells victims and President of the RSA where the killings took place.

The families who lost loved ones are furious and can’t believe Telecom could show such poor judgment and lack of compassion to Bells victims, Mr McVicar said. "Bell had 102 previous convictions before the RSA tragedy, what on earth made Telecom think they could rehabilitate a recidivist hard core criminal like Bell?"

Dianne Johnson who lost her husband on that fateful day said that what Telecom did was very hurtful and she hoped the company would make a public apology for the stress they have caused the families involved.

Mr McVicar said the Sensible Sentencing Trust had approached Telecom last year for funding assistance for the work the Trust does in assisting victims but that application had been turned down. "It appears Telecom is more interested in advocating for criminals than caring for victims."

The question needs to be asked, where was Telecom when these families needed help, and where are they now when the Trust is appealing for financial assistance for the Court action two of these families are taking against the Corrections Dept for their handling of Bell?

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.