Double murderer Gresham Marsh is threatening to sue his family for lying about the abuse he received as a child, but his Napier-based sister says he is just making more excuses for himself.
Marsh has threatened to sue his family and the Sensible Sentencing Trust for "judging" him. Rowene Marsh-Potaka said today he "could go for it but he will not succeed".
Marsh was jailed for life after he murdered elderly couple John and Josie Harrisson during a burglary in Te Akau, west of Huntly, in 1994. He was 22 when he shot the couple after they woke during the night-time robbery. His accomplice was Leith Ray.
In a letter to Garth McVicar of the trust, Marsh expressed his concern for the victim's family. But the prisoner, who is receiving ACC-funding trauma counselling, then claimed his family had lied about abuse he said he received as a child. When news broke last year about the funding, his sister questioned his trauma claims.
Marsh's family and the Harrisson family are united in their attempt to keep the killer in prison. In the letter, Marsh blamed the trust for supporting his family.
"You and your trust are not my judges. I have been judged by the law," he said. "I want to make it clear that this letter in no way changes or minimises what I have done to the Harrisson family and the lives I have destroyed. There are some things it is time for me to say.
"Many times I have wanted to speak but have chosen not to because of the pain and suffering caused by my hand to the Harrisson family."
He was writing the letter from Rangipo Prison to say he was taking legal action against all parties.
Marsh's lawyer, Michael Bott, confirmed Marsh was discussing suing his family. Mr Bott is investigating his claims of abuse.
Ms Marsh-Potaka, who has still not received a copy of her brother's letter, said: "He can go for it. I'm not fazed at all. Our family know the truth."
It was not the first time that he had threatened legal action against his family.
"We are used to it," she said.
Ms Marsh-Potaka said her brother had never taken responsibility for his actions and was making excuses for himself.
Mr McVicar said Marsh's letter showed a man desperately seeking excuses for what he had done.
"He is only trying to show remorse to earn brownie points in preparation for his parole board hearing," Mr McVicar said.
Marsh and Ray were denied parole last year but will reappear before the Parole Board in September.
Killer threatens to sue trust, family
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