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The Dominion
March 14, 1998
Ex-police boss backs parole stand by Ellis
by Karen Howard
Former police commander turned NZ First MP Rana Waitai voiced his support
yesterday toward Peter Ellis's decision not to appear before the parole
board.
"Peter Ellis has demonstrated by his actions that he is a man of
principles and integrity," Mr Waitai said. "He has not taken the
easy option by asking for early parole. Instead, he wants to clear his name
and will stay in prison because of a conviction in a case shot with
questionable practices.
"I have no doubt that he is a victim of the sex abuse and ritual abuse
hysteria of the early 90s."
Ellis was sentenced in 1993 to 10 years' jail after being found guilty of
sexually abusing children at the Christchurch Civic Creche between 1986 and
1992. He chose not to appear at his first parole hearing on Thursday, saying
he would not accept freedom if it implied he were guilty. The hearing went
ahead without him and an outcome is expected next week.
Mr Waitai said it took a courageous man to take the stand that Ellis did.
"Peter Ellis has served almost five years behind bars, yet the
possibility of acquiring early freedom is not enough to bring him before a
parole hearing, and therefore slurring him with guilt."
Last year Mr Waitai visited Ellis at Paparua Prison because he was concerned
at the way his case was conducted.
Ellis's mother, Lesley Ellis, also stuck by her son's decision. She said he
had consistently refused to take courses and counselling offered in prison
because a big component involved dealing with the offending -- and he was
innocent.
Department of Corrections communications adviser Tony Wallace said yesterday
that Ellis's decision not to appear would not necessarily count against him.
"We are required to consider any offender's parole when they are due for
parole. The fact that he chooses not to appear still means the case is
considered."
Parole boards examine several factors. "They look at a person's ability
to reintegrate," Mr Wallace said. "How they have progressed on
their programmes, their likelihood of reoffending, and also submissions from
interested parties, such as victims, lawyers, etc."
He refused to comment on whether Ellis's refusal to take part in courses at
the prison would affect the decision. Parole conditions could include having
to live in a certain city, being prohibited from visiting other places, or
attending rehabilitation courses.
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