Susan Couch speaks out about settlement details
Susan Couch speaks out about settlement details
Susan Couch, the sole survivor of an attack at an Auckland Returned and Services Association in which three people were murdered, has spoken about the settlement of $300,000 she will receive from the Corrections Department.
The attack, 11 years ago, left Ms Couch partially paralysed and with brain damage by William Bell, who was on parole for aggravated robbery.
The settlement amount was embargoed until 7pm last night, when Ms Couch talked exclusively with John Campbell, LIVE on TV3.
Ms Couch’s lawyer Brian Henry, and Corrections chief Ray Smith also appeared on Campbell Live.
In the Campbell Live interview, Susan Couch said of the outcome and settlement:
"Very mixed emotions, I'm exhausted, I'm over it right now. It’s been nearly 11 years of government departments which will still continue even after the settlement."
"I'm looking at it as the closest to an apology I'll get.
"People don’t realise when they make an apology they are validating someone’s suffering and not just ignoring them.
"It's not a formal apology, it's a 'whoops sorry, our bad' but I'll take it."
Her lawyer, Mr Henry argued before the High Court in May that William Bells probation officer had been inexperienced and her bosses had failed to supervise her.
