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A decision on whether five former Christchurch
Civic Childcare workers should stand trial on charges that they committed
indecencies on children in their care is expected at 3pm today. Judge Anderson said after closing submissions were
completed yesterday he would endeavour to deliver his ruling at the specified
time. All submissions were suppressed by Judge Anderson
on Tuesday to prevent any prejudice of future proceedings. Most of the
submissions related to the credibility of videotaped interviews conducted
with the 20 complainants, now aged between nine and three. The contents of
the interviews receive automatic suppression under statute. Peter Hugh McGregor Ellis, aged 34, faces 45
charges including indecent assault, inducing indecent acts and sexual violation. Gaye Jocelyn Davidson, aged 39, Janice
Virginia Buckingham, aged 45, and Marie Keys, aged 43, face four charges
each. The charges relate to alleged sexual violation and indecent assault.
Deborah Janet Gillespie, aged 30, faces three charges - indecent assault,
sexual violation, and engaging in an indecent act in a public place. Mr Robert Harrison, for Ellis, began making submissions
yesterday, and he was followed by Mr Chris Lange for the Crown. |
