24 October 2008

Donation Given To Susan Couch Trust

New Zealand First made a donation of $78,000 this year to the Susan Couch and Crime Victims Charitable Trust, Rt Hon Winston Peters announced this evening.

Susan Couch was working at the Panmure RSA when she was attacked, beaten and left for dead by convicted murderer William Bell in December 2001. She suffered severe injuries but was not covered by any ACC lump sum compensation.

Mr Peters said Ms Couch was an extremely plucky woman who was left in a terrible plight through no fault of her own and the system had failed her.

“We were pleased to donate the money to a trust that could assist her and we deeply regret that we have been forced to reveal this publicly but our hands have been forced by harassment by the Dominion Post newspaper.

“We appeal to other sections of the media to show some restraint and to allow Ms Couch some privacy.

“The money is in the trust's bank account,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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