escalating violence in our community Become a member of the Sensible Sentencing Trust

Mouseover links for full page descriptions

Archived Press Releases 2006 1st September 2006

RSA case to proceed to Supreme Court

(1st September 2006)

Susan Couch was not expected to survive the horrific injuries she received when William Bell killed three people and left her fighting for her life may have been left fighting for her life.

But survive she did – not only did she survive – but she alleged the Department for monitoring William Bell were negligent and took them to Court.

The Sensible Sentencing Trust who has assisted with the finance to allow the case to proceed is hailing the decision as a small win in a gigantic battle.

Spokesman, Garth McVicar said from a victims perspective justice and legal redress is just about an impossibility, "This is a very important decision by the Supreme Court, all we ever wanted was to try and bring some accountability back into a system that seems to have forgotten the victims".

"There is a very big battle ahead but we are hopeful that this decision will pave the way for the Supreme Court to hear the full story of what really happened leading up to the RSA tragedy."

Mr. McVicar said while the wheels of justice may turn painfully slow at least they were turning, "Susan Couch is to be congratulated for having the amazing determination and courage to proceed with this case."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.