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The
Christchurch Civic Creche Case |
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ISLAND BRIDGE Phone/fax:
0-9-372 6429 14 Tui Street, Oneroa, Waiheke
Island 1240, New Zealand 18 December 1997 Peter Ellis Rolleston Prison P0 Box 45 Rolleston Christchurch Dear Peter I suspect you may have been inundated with mail over the last
few weeks, but have decided to add to the deluge for two reasons. Firstly, to offer you support and encouragement. I followed your
trial with interest and considerable disbelief. Since the recent TV
programmes and newspaper articles, I have become appalled at the way the
justice system has treated you. I am not a religious person in the
traditional sense, but have been asking the universe that you receive a fair
hearing and pardon. For years I carried around "memories" of having been
sexually abused as a five-year-old. Those memories still affect the way I
relate with other people, despite some help from a skilled counsellor. It was
during counselling that I began to have serious doubts that an overactive
imagination hadn't made up the abuse. Those doubts began emerging at the time
of your trial time of your trial, which is why I felt such unease about the
claims being made against you. My second reason for writing is to offer whatever help I can if
you wish to tell the world your story. By now you will be aware that a mother
of one of the child accusers has had a book published telling her side of the
story. I designed and produced that book for the publisher. I am not particularly proud of myself for
being involved, lacking the courage to jeopardise a working relationship with
a good client. I rationalised to myself that the book was going to be
published anyway - I may as well do it - then contact you and offer help if
you chose to write a book telling your side of the story. I am a freelance
book editor/designer/packager who has connections with all the major book
publishers in Auckland. Your story deserves to be told so that society can learn from
this tragedy. If I can help in any way, you only have to ask. It would be
good for the country to read about the hell you have obviously been through.
You may even find writing a book therapeutic, helping you to put the pain
behind you. Publishing a book in New Zealand will not make you rich as the
market is just too small - you will, though be able to earn a little money. I regret that distance prevents me offering too much comfort, however,
if it helps, my thoughts are with you.
If it is possible to have a happy festive season in your present
circumstances, then I trust that you do. And here's hoping 1998 brings a
pardon so that you can begin rebuilding your life. The pressure for justice
in your case is growing and I am sure it will eventually prevail. Best Wishes Graeme Leather SPECIALISING IN QUALITY BOOKS ------------------------------------------------------------ A Mother's Story All rights reserved. ISBN: 0-9583717-0-9 Typeset in Utopia Book design and layout by Graeme Leather, Island Bridge Cover Photo: The Christchurch Press Printed in Australia by Australian Print Group |
